Anyone who knows this junior, double business major will tell you that there’s just something about her that makes them want more. Perhaps it’s her ability to juggle Varsity Soccer with her numerous other commitments, including International Business Society, Phi Gamma Nu Business Fraternity, Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Fraternity, Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternity, and Golden Key, among others. Or, maybe it’s her insatiable smile, and love of Tom Petty. Whatever it is, POISE is lucky to call Mary McPhail our Fall 2006 Covergirl.

POISE: Why did you choose to come to school at OU? 
MARY: Originally, it was because I was recruited for soccer; but when I came for my visit, I knew that this was the school that I wanted to go to. I really loved the pretty campus, and the feel of a college town.

POISE: What do you look for in a guy? 
MARY: A great sense of humor, intelligence, determination, kindness, and [he has to be] caring.

POISE: What does “success” mean to you? 
MARY: Success means achieving something that you love, and are passionate about. 

POISE: Where do you see yourself in five years?
MARY: I see myself working at an accounting firm in a city like Columbus - happy and enjoying life.

POISE: What are your three major accomplishments? 
MARY: Winning a state championship in high school for soccer, finishing in the top 1% of my graduating class, and playing soccer for Ohio.

POISE: What do you do to relax? 
MARY: I love to travel, especially to the beach.  If I can’t go to the beach, I like to go shopping, or just hang out with my friends.

POISE: About what are you most passionate? 
MARY: I am most passionate about my family and friends. They mean the world to me, and I don’t know what I would ever do without them.

POISE: What are four things you couldn’t live without? 
MARY: My ipod, chocolate chip cookies, mountain dew, and my friends.

POISE: How would you classify your sense of style? 
MARY: Definitely, simple and classic. I like to wear trendy pieces, but not too many that they become overwhelming.

POISE: What’s something most people don’t know about you? 
MARY: I played soccer in Iceland when I was a freshman in high school.

POISE: What’s the biggest misconception about you? 
MARY: Some people think that because I study a lot, and because I am involved in a lot of things, that I am boring and don’t like to have fun. Although I spend a lot of time with school, I love to have a good time and go out with my friends.

POISE: Who do you admire? Why?
MARY: I would definitely have to say my mom. She does so much for me and my family. Until recently, I never really understood all of the things that she did for us because she made it look so easy. She is a very strong and caring person, and I hope that I can be just like her.

reported by Jen Ator

photos by Jessica Derstine