Maryland's unexpected success, which led to a trip to the second round of the 2004 NCAA Tournament and a tie for third place in the ACC, has put the Terps' rise to national prominence on the fast track. In what was supposed to be the second year of the rebuilding process, third year head coach Brenda Frese led an inexperienced Terrapin squad to 18 wins, the most since the 1996-97 campaign, the team's best finish in the conference since that season and its first NCAA Tournament victory in 12 years. Those accomplishments, coupled with the addition of the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation, have given the Terps a renewed sense of confidence and enthusiasm for the upcoming season.

"Going into year three, this is the most excitement and enthusiasm we've had, by far," said Frese. "Every player coming back has been committed to the off-season workouts and I have seen major improvements in all of them. Each of them has dedicated themselves to their game, in the weight room and their conditioning."

Frese continued, "Coming off the heels of the NCAA Tournament, our program has taken a huge step forward. We have the confidence and mentality that we can be competitive and play with the best."

The Terps return seven letterwinners, including three starters, from last season's squad and expectations are high heading into the 2004-05 campaign. Maryland has earned top-15 preseason rankings in a number of publications, and while Frese boasts the most talent since arriving on campus, the Terps are young, with eight of the 11 scholarship players being freshmen and sophomores.

"We are extremely young. We're going to shine and have really bright moments where we're clicking. And we're going to have some moments where we're going to show our youth and inexperience. With such high expectations on the shoulders of such a young team, we're going to have to be patient because it's going to take some time as we grow and mature together."

Among the returning letterwinners are sophomores Shay Doron and Kalika France. The duo also represents the top two returning scorers from a year ago - the first time two freshmen led the team in scoring in the history of the program. The two accounted for over 36 percent of the team's scoring, recording team-high points 19 times in 31 games. While Delvona Oliver and occasionally Crystal Washington helped with the scoring load in the paint, the arrivals of freshman Crystal Langhorne, Laura Harper and Jade Perry provide even more offensive threats from the post.

Also returning is the team's most experienced player and one of only two seniors on the squad in Anesia Smith. She earned the starting assignment at point guard last season and assumes the role of the floor general again in 2004-05. Along with Doron and France, Smith's role as a leader will be crucial to the success of the team.

"Anesia's made huge strides, both as a leader and as a player. Coming off of the amount of experience Shay and Kalika had as freshmen and entering their sophomore years, we're expecting those three to provide a lot of leadership for this team," stated Frese.

Frese also looks to veterans Charmaine Carr, C'Vette Henson, Aurelie Noirez, and Angel Ross, along with newcomers Ashleigh Newman and Liz Gilchrest, to be major components to the success of the Terrapins in 2004-05.

"They're going to provide a lot of depth and spark us with a lot of energy coming off the bench. Every player on this team has a role. This team, by far, has the best chemistry overall among these 12 players. We feel like we have a single goal and purpose in mind. We're thinking like championship teams do."

The Terps have to contend with the losses of four veteran players. Crystal Washington was one of just two players to start every game and led the team in blocks. She broke out for a career season in her final year. Delvona Oliver was an All-ACC performer and was one of three players to average double-digit scoring, while providing an inside presence. Maryland led the ACC in three-point shooting last season, in large part because of Chrissy Fisher, who ranked seventh in the conference in that category, while Alli Spence broke the school record with an impressive 50 percent shooting from long distance. However, the Terrapins are confident they will be able to fill those holes with a much-improved returning core and a talented freshman class.

GUARDS This group has a good blend of experience, youth and talent. Anesia Smith rededicated herself to improving her play and has emerged as the team's leader as the most veteran member of the squad. Ranked 12th in the ACC last season with 1.23 assists per game, she will be the incumbent at the point guard position but will have to improve upon a 3.0 scoring average.

"Anesia has come back as a tremendous leader. She's going to be the glue of this team and will keep everyone on the same page," remarked Frese. "She's made huge strides, both as a leader and as a player. You can see the commitment she's made to her offensive game, which she needed to do."

Shay Doron and Kalika France made the immediate impact expected when the high school All-Americans arrived on campus last season. Both garnered All-ACC honors, with Doron earning third team recognition, the first Terrapin freshman to be named to the all-league squad, while France was an Honorable Mention All-ACC pick. The tandem also led the team in scoring, ranking in the top 12 in the conference in that category. Selected to the ACC All-Freshman team, Doron was eighth in the ACC in scoring at 13.5 points per game, while France's 11.7 ppg was 12th. Looking to build on successful freshmen campaigns, the two are poised to do the same on the offensive end, while an improved post game will help carry the scoring load.

Doron, who tied an NCAA record with 23 free throws in her first-collegiate game and broke the school record for free throws in a season, will also split the point guard duties with Smith.

"We've seen great maturity from Shay, in terms of her leadership. She's thinking, acting and doing all the things a winner does. Shay has put on so much strength in the weight room and has a lot more confidence now."

An all-around threat, France was the team's top rebounder with 6.0 boards per game, 10th in the ACC, and her 1.42 thefts per game were tops on the squad and 14th in the conference.

"Kalika continues to improve her game and take it to the next level, offensively and defensively. She's very focused, driven and is going to be someone who we will challenge to be a great teammate and provide leadership. Kalika brings an air of confidence that's contagious to the rest of the team."

The first Terrapin from the state of Tennessee, Ashleigh Newman is a Miss Basketball Finalist and a two-time Street & Smith's Honorable Mention All-American who will challenge the veteran guards for playing time. A graduate of Shelbyville Central, an established high school program which has captured numerous state titles, she is competing like a veteran and her versatility makes her a valuable asset to the squad.

"Ashleigh's under the radar in terms of that [freshman] class, but she is already playing and competing like she's a collegiate player. She can play numerous positions because she has the intelligence and strength to do so. She's strong, can defend, can shoot the pull-up `J' and has three-point range."

Joining the team as a walk-on last year, C'Vette Henson has earned a scholarship and will vie for playing time as one of five guards on the squad. She continues to show improvement and has proven she can score, play defense, rebound and dish the ball off the bench.

FORWARDS/CENTERS With the departures of Delvona Oliver and Crystal Washington due to graduation, the frontcourt is the most inexperienced group on the squad, as none of the returning post players averaged more than 13.5 minutes per game last year. A veteran core of Charmaine Carr, Aurelie Noirez and Angel Ross, will be counted on to mentor three highly-talented freshmen in the paint, while making contributions off the bench.

Expectations are high for freshmen Crystal Langhorne, Laura Harper and Jade Perry, who will see plenty of playing time. The three come to College Park with impressive resumes. Langhorne and Harper were named McDonald's, Parade and Street & Smith's All-Americans. Both were also selected to the All-USA Basketball Team by USA Today. A two-time New Jersey Player of the Year, Langhorne tallied over 2,700 points during her high school career. Harper played with the USA Junior Women's World Championship Qualifying Team in Puerto Rico, helping the Stars & Stripes to a 5-0 record and a gold medal. A southpaw, Langhorne provides instant offense, and Harper is an extremely hard worker who can score, rebound and defend at the center position. At 6-4, she provides an inside presence and runs the floor well.

Perry is a three-time Honorable Mention Street & Smith's All-American and a Kentucky Miss Basketball finalist in her senior year. In her career at Muhlenberg North High, she amassed 2,792 points, 1,647 rebounds and 512 blocks. A physically powerful player, she is going to be a tough matchup for opponents because of her versatility and ability to play inside or outside.

"These freshmen are playing like veterans and will contribute right away. All four have made huge gains in a short period of time. Crystal is always going find ways to score and rebound. She's relentless on the glass, offensively and defensively, as are Jade and Laura, down low in the post. Like all freshmen, they're going to be up and down. But between the three of them, we're going to have a lot of consistency inside."

Junior Charmaine Carr offers versatility as a swing player. She has made vast improvements in the off-season and has come in with the mentality to contribute in any way she can and should see her off-season workouts pay off.

"Charmaine spent a lot of time on her game over the summer and understands what she needs to do for this team. She will provide a spark for us this year. She's a strong and versatile player and give us the depth we are going to need this year."

Moving to a new country is a big adjustment in itself. However, Aurelie Noirez not only had to adjust to life in the U.S., but also had to conform to life as a college student-athlete and to the collegiate game. Her contributions as a role player were one of the keys to the team's success as she provided depth and rebounding. After having to sit out the first eight games of the season, she saw time in the remainder of the Terps' 23 games, chipping in 2.3 ppg and 2.4 rpg.

"Aurelie has worked extremely hard and is in much better shape. Knowing the system coming in this year, she's going to put herself in the mix immediately because of her work ethic, her skill and her understanding of the game."

Junior Angel Ross saw limited playing time and will continue to compete for action. As one of just three upper classmen, her two years of experience playing in the ACC will be a valuable asset to this young squad.

A late addition is senior walk-on Liz Gilchrest. Joining the squad in the preseason, Gilchrest played three years at Div. III Washington College in Maryland where she was named Honorable Mention All-Centennial Conference after averaging 13.7 ppg and 8.5 rpg. She brings experience in the collegiate ranks and maturity. She will be an example for the young members to look up to because she has proven that you can achieve your goals when you set your mind to it.

SCHEDULE Maryland faces a challenging schedule in 2004-05 as it could square off with 11 postseason tournament participants, including nine who reached the NCAA Tournament.

"All the games are going to get us prepared for the ACC schedule which is always tough," said Frese. "We have some games that build our chemistry, our rotation and our flow. We have some competitive games against teams that were in the NCAA Tournament. Early on, we're going to see where we're at."

The Terps open the season at Appalachian State on Nov. 19, then come home for the first time on Nov. 21, hosting Siena. The Terrapins face an early test as they are pitted against 2004 Final Four team, LSU, which also ended Maryland's NCAA Tournament run last year in the second round in Baton Rouge, La. Playing at a neutral site when the teams play on Nov. 26 in the Coors Classic in Boulder, Colo., the Terps hope to avenge that postseason loss. In the second game of that tournament, Maryland could play host school Colorado or Penn. Both teams participated in NCAA Tournament action last season.

After a home game vs. Loyola on Nov. 30, the Terps open the month of December on the road at Xavier before returning to Comcast Center for a five-game home stretch which includes games vs. St. Bonaventure, Monmouth, Coppin State and the annual Terrapin Classic, Dec. 29-30. Massachusetts, Elon and Marshall round out the four teams in the home tournament.

The new calendar year marks the beginning of the new conference slate. Two new teams, Miami and Virginia Tech, joined the ACC for the 2004-05 campaign, making the road to an ACC title even more challenging. Both teams were ranked among the Top 25 for most of last season and both earned NCAA Tournament berths.

The Terps get a taste of the new ACC right away, traveling to Virginia Tech on Jan. 2. The game also marks the first of at least five television appearances for Maryland. The teams close out the regular-season home-and-home series on Feb. 24 when the Hokies visit College Park.

Maryland also battles Georgia Tech, Virginia, and five-time ACC Champion Duke twice. The Terps host the Blue Devils for a nationally televised contest on Feb. 13. Maryland is looking to have the same turnout as last season when 13,446 fans packed Comcast Center, the second-largest crowd in ACC women's basketball history.

The Terrapins host North Carolina on Jan. 9 and NC State on Jan. 23. Both games will be televised, with the game against UNC being broadcast nationally. The Tar Heels and the Wolfpack earned NCAA Tournament berths last year after a tight conference race. NC State and Maryland tied for third in the ACC.

Maryland makes trips to the three southern-most schools in the conference - Florida State on Jan. 16, Clemson on Feb. 6 and Miami on Feb. 17. The Terps eliminated ACC-newcomer Miami from the NCAA Tournament last year in the first round with a one-point decision in Baton Rouge, La., adding to the drama of the game in mid-February.

Frese gives the Terps a break from the league schedule when she takes them to face her alma mater, Arizona, on Jan. 29 for a nationally broadcast contest. It will be another tough game in the midst of conference play, but will help Maryland get through the remainder of the rigorous conference slate.

Maryland closes out the regular season hosting Northern Colorado on Senior Night, Feb. 28.

With the expansion of the league came a new format for the ACC Tournament, which takes place March 4-7 at the Greensboro Coliseum. The top five seeds earn a bye for the first round on March 4. After a full day of quarterfinal action on March 5, the four semifinal squads square off on March 6 on Fox Sports Net. The finals will be played on March 7, in a game that will also be televised on FSN.

As if making the NCAA Tournament was not enough, there is added incentive for the Terps to earn a postseason bid. Comcast Center was selected as one of eight predetermined sites for the first and second rounds of the 2005 tournament. Should the Terps have another successful campaign, they could begin their postseason run in front of a hometown crowd on March 20 and 22.

The Terps were not satisfied with their long list of accomplishments a year ago. Instead, they were left hungry for more. The team has been as focused as ever and is reaching for more. With the combination of an improved veteran core and a talented but young group, the Terps look to factor into the national picture and remain in the upper echelon the ACC.