Sept. 24, 2007

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland Terrapins finished the 2006-07 season with an overall record of 6-5, and a mark of 3-3 in the ACC. Interim head coach Jarod Schroeder is excited about the mix of returning veterans and a talented crop of freshman that make up the 2007-08 Terrapins.

"Our veterans will provide guidance to our ten newcomers," said Schroeder. "It's an exciting blend for our team and I expect us to make tremendous strides this year."

The Terps will count on to key seniors to lead the squad. Captain Emily Smoak finished her season at the ACC Championships as a consolation finalist in the 100 breast, placing 21st overall. She also contributed to a sixth-place finish in the 200 free relay with an NCAA B-cut time.

"This is Emily's second year as captain," noted Schroeder. "She will serve as the sole captain on the women's side. She is somebody who is successful academically and in the pool. Emily is a role model for our entire freshman class, and we're looking to recruit that type of person onto our squad for the future."

Maya Finkler was a top finisher in the consolation finals at the ACC Championships for the 100 free, placing 17th. She also contributed to a third-place finish in the 800 free relay with an NCAA B-cut time.

The Terps will also look to sophomores Annie Broome and Jen Vogel, who both participated in the US Nationals this summer. Broome swam personal bests in both the 100 and 200 fly. She placed 15th overall in the 100 fly and earned a 12th-place finish in the 200 fly. Both the 100 and 200 fly were under the Olympic Trial standard qualifying Broome for the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska next year. Vogel also competed in the 100 and 200 butterfly

Broome was a consolation finalist and point scorer for Maryland at the ACC Championships in the 100 fly and 200 fly last season, while Vogel contributed a sixth-place finish in the 400 medley relay and was a bonus consolation finalist, placing 18th overall in the 200 individual medley.

"One of our strengths this season will be our underclassmen, since the majority of our swimming team is freshman and sophomores," said Schroeder.

Leading that depth in the freshman class is Jessalyn Crawford. Crawford begins her career at Maryland after competing in this summer's US Nationals in Indianapolis, Ind. She competed in the 400 meter medley and free relays with her club program.

Schroeder is joined on the staff by Demerae Christianson and Kevin Clements, giving the Terps a talented coaching staff to go with a talented team.

The women's team is equipped wit hall the necessary components for a successful 2007-08 season. Maryland begins the season hosting two exhibition matches before the season opener against Johns Hopkins on Friday, October 26. In late February, the Terps will travel to Atlanta, Ga., for the ACC Championships, looking to earn a spot in the NCAA Championships in March.

"We're expecting a strong duel-meeting showing this year and hope to improve quite a bit, but will use the regular season as a step towards the ACCs at the end of the year," said Schroeder. "It is always a goal of ours to focus on the ACCs, and hopefully take that next step toward the NCAAs at the end of the season."