Dec. 15, 2009

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland field hockey team celebrated its season Sunday afternoon with family and friends at its annual end of the year banquet. Awards were given, memories were shared and fun times were had by all as the Terps closed one of the most successful seasons in school history.

Athletics Director Debbie Yow, Executive Director of the M Club Azizuddin Abdur-Ra'oof, head coach Missy Meharg and captains Katie O'Donnell, Brianna Davies, and Alicia Grater were just some of the speakers at the event. They all shared experiences throughout the season and congratulations to the team and seven seniors.

The coaching staff honored five Terps with end of the year awards. Recent Honda Sports Award winner Katie O'Donnell was awarded the Kate Kauffman-Beach Award, an honor that goes to a player epitomizes the "world class" hockey player that demonstrates the technical and tactical skills coupled with the heart of a champion.

Grater received the Sabrina Salam Award, an honor given to an upper classman that demonstrates an elite level of quality of life academically, socially, athletically and spiritually while exemplifying a championship lifestyle.

The Kateri Simon Award is the team's Unsung Hero honor. Kristina Foster was named the winner as the athlete that has persevered in times of adversity and has displayed courage while bringing positive energy to all team sessions. She contributed daily to the successes as a championship team.

Emma Thomas received the Carla Tagliente Award, the honor given to the student-athlete that displays excellence on the field and in the classroom.

Alexis Pappas was honored with the Keli Smith Award. She was the player who was the team's 'straight shooter'. She was named as the player that wears her emotions on her sleeve and sets her sights on achieving the high level goals she sets for herself.

Members of the team were honored with their Varsity letters for their performances this season and the seniors were granted their membership to the M Club.