June 18, 2007

GALLERY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The 2006 NCAA Champion Maryland field hockey team was part of a historic day on Monday afternoon as one of more than 20 teams invited to the White House South Lawn to celebrate its championship crown. The Terps made their second-straight visit to meet the President of the United States George W. Bush.

"This is an historic day - after all, this is the largest gathering that we've had for Champions Day," proclaimed the president. "We're glad to welcome the champs here to the South Lawn. I appreciate being with good athletes, good students and good leaders - and that's what it takes to become a champion."

Maryland had the opportunity to meet with President Bush inside the White House before taking a team photo with the president. The team presented him with a gift - an Under Armour black pullover jacket with his full name stitched on the front and "2006 NCAA Champions Maryland Field Hockey" on the back. The Terrapins also presented the president with a watch.

Afterwards, every team - players, coaches, administrator and support staff, senators, congressmen and delegates, along with the press gathered on the South Lawn while President Bush addressed the audience. Senior Emily Trycinski (Nazareth, Pa.) represented the Terps on the stage with the president.

Maryland holds the honor of being the first field hockey team to be invited to the White House back in 1987, after the Terps captured the program's first national title.

-TERPS-