Oct. 24, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland Athletics Department inducted its 2008 Hall of Fame members Friday night in a banquet at the University of Maryland Inn and Conference Center. The new inductees include Kelly Amonte-Hiller, Keith Booth, Kim Chorosiewski, David Diehl, Brian Dougherty, Darryl Hill and the Hon. Thomas V. "Mike" Miller.

"It is always a pleasure to recognize the people who have contributed to the success of Maryland Athletics in such special ways," Director of Athletics Debbie Yow said. "They are the heart and soul of our program."

Amonte-Hiller graduated in 1996 and played women's lacrosse and soccer while at Maryland. She was a four-time lacrosse All-American, two-time national champion and 1996 ACC Female Athlete of the Year and Player of the Year. Additionally, Amonte-Hiller was a 2nd team All-American in soccer. She went on to become a member of the U.S. World Cup team and has coached four NCAA national championship teams.

"This is an incredible honor," said Amonte-Hiller. "I have so much respect for the University and for the Athletic Department. It's such an incredible honor and a tribute to coaches that I was coached by and also my teammates. It's really honoring them as well because what I've been able to achieve was a serious group effort."

Booth played basketball for the Terps before graduating in 1997. He averaged 19.5 points per game in his senior season and currently holds the Maryland record for career free throws. He played on four NCAA tournament teams. He was named an AP & NABC 3rd team All-American, 1st team All-ACC and was named to the ACC All-Tournament team twice. He was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bulls, and was a member of the 1998 NBA championship team. Booth is currently Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at his alma mater.

"It's really a great honor. After growing up a Maryland basketball fan, it's one of those things that it was an honor to become a player here. It's definitely an honor and it's something that I'll always remember," said Booth.

Chorosiewski played field hockey and lacrosse for the Terps until her graduation in 1987. She was a 2nd team All-American and goalie for national championship teams in both sports. She was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team in field hockey. She currently holds the Maryland record for career saves and saves percentage in field hockey.

"I did watch Keith Booth play - we were in the same era. Kelly Amonte-Hiller was one of the athletes immediately following my graduation and I would've loved to have played with her," said Chorosiewski. "I'm very humbled and honored by it, I think it's a cool thing and I'm indebted to the University of Maryland for a fantastic career. This is Maryland's honor bestowed upon me."

Diehl graduated from Maryland in 1963 and was a member of the swim team. He later became the M Club Foundation Executive Director and helped to expand the M Club's membership from 300 to 1500 active members. Diehl is also a leader in the National Letter Winners Association. He earned a Top-10 spot in the U.S. Swimming Masters eight times, a Top-10 spot in the Worlds Masters once and is a two-time Senior Olympic National Champion.

"It's fantastic," said Diehl. "I've been involved with Maryland athletics for almost 50 years. I'm being inducted for the administration activities I performed with the M Club."

Dougherty was a dominant lacrosse goalie for the Terps until graduating in 1996. He is a two-time 1st Team All-American and was named the nation's top goalie twice. He was also named the nation's outstanding player and was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team. Dougherty was voted Outstanding Player in the North-South game and was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary team. He went on to play both indoor and outdoor lacrosse professionally.

"I had an amazing experience at Maryland, both on the field and off," said Dougherty. "I made some of the best friends of my life. To be considered one of the best athletes is kind of overwhelming, but it's a cool accomplishment."

Hill is a 1964 graduate and Maryland Football alum. He helped change the course of intercollegiate athletics at both Maryland and in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He was the first African-American athlete to play Division I football south of the Mason-Dixon Line and in the ACC. After a long business career, he returned to Maryland where he has worked as an athletics fundraiser.

"Maryland as a university took one of the most important historical steps in being the first school in the south to step forward and break down racial barriers for college athletes," said Hill. "I think Maryland was the key factor in leveling the playing field for all college athletes at a time when it was a difficult and challenging thing for a university playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The university ran in the face of adversity and stood strong that it was time to end college sports segregation."

The Honorable Thomas V. "Mike" Miller will be inducted for his meritorious service to the University of Maryland Athletic Department. Miller has served in the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate for 25 years and has served as President of the Senate since 1987. In his role, he helped to secure state funding for Comcast Center and led state funding efforts for Byrd Stadium, Ludwig Field/Kehoe Track complex and the Gossett Football Team House. He has had a far-reaching impact on the stature of Maryland Athletics.

"I'm tremendously honored. My family will be with me at the induction ceremony and it will be a very moving experience, especially when you consider the people I'm being inducted with; people like Darryl Hill, who I've admired for years.'