Jan. 4, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Midnight has struck and it is finally 2010 and it's time to take a look back at the last 10 years to reflect on the highs of the decade. Not only was Maryland's 2006 National Championship named the "Decade's Best Game" by SI.com, but past and future players donning the Terrapin uniform have been recognized by their respective states as extraordinary athletes.

All Terrapin fans remember Crystal Langhorne. Her name infiltrates the Maryland record books and she was picked up in the first round of the WNBA Draft in 2008. She ended her collegiate career as one of the best players in NCAA history. As Maryland's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, she is one of just 27 players in NCAA history to score 2,200 points and grab 1,200 rebounds. Langhorne came out of Willingboro, N.J., in 2004 and has been recognized by nj.com, a New Jersey website, as a "Girl Athlete to Remember" from the New Jersey high school system in the last 10 years. She was a three-time All-State selection and helped Willingboro High School to the Group 3 title and a runner-up Tournament of Champions finish. Langhorne currently plays for the Washington Mystics.

Not only previous players have been recognized as remarkable athletes, but two Maryland signees for the class of 2010-11 have also been acknowledged Laurin Mincy and Alyssa Thomas.

Mincy of Newark, N.J., was named a "Girl Athlete to Remember" by nj.com. She was the first freshman named First Team All-State in girl's basketball, was the State Player of the Year twice and helped University High School to the Tournament of Champions title as a freshman. Mincy's accolades also include: Star Ledger State Player of the Year (2009, 2008); NJ State Gatorade Player of the Year (2009); All-State (2009, 2008, 2007); Essex County Player of the Year (2007); Tournament of Champions MVP (2007); Two time NJSIAA State Group I Championship MVP (2008, 2007); Member of National Honor Society at University HS; Rated the #1 Shooting Guard in the Nation.

Thomas, of Harrisburg, Pa., was recognized by pennlive.com as one of the best athletes to come out of high school from Pennsylvania in the last decade. She is on pace to amass 2,000 points and 1,500 rebounds in her high school career and is a two-time All-State selection and two-time Big 15 choice. Thomas' other achievements include: Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Year and First Team All Conference 2007-2008 and 2008-2009; P.I.A.A. All District 3 and 1st Team All State 2007-2008 and 2008-2009; Led the 2009 Commonwealth Division Champions and P.I.A.A. District 3 Champions (AAAA) with 19.5 points per game and 12.8 rebounds per game; Rated the #4 Wing/Forward in the Nation.

The Maryland women's basketball program continues to raise the bar for women's basketball. A new decade is just beginning and the Terrapins look to continue being one of the best in the next 10 years and beyond.