Sept. 28, 2011

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Following a nerve-racking double overtime win at UMBC earlier this season, Maryland redshirt senior goalkeeper Will Swaim had six simple words to share with media after the match.

"I am too old for this," the always-entertaining, fifth-year player said with a chuckle and a grin.

All jokes aside, Swaim has been an integral part of the Maryland men's soccer program in one facet or another since his arrival in College Park in 2007. And much like that mid-week, non-conference thriller at UMBC, Swaim's stint with the Terps has been, in one word, unique.

"My career has without a doubt been a rollercoaster ride," Swaim said. "It's had its ups and downs but has for sure been a ton of fun. It's kept me on my toes and been unpredictable but that has also made it interesting."

After a successful high school career at Howard in Ellicott City where he garnered all-state honors, Swaim chose Maryland because he `wanted to be a part of the best soccer program in the country.'

"Growing up, I attended all of the Maryland soccer camps and went to games," Swaim said. "It was impossible to live in this area and not be a huge fan of the soccer team. I guess you can say it was inevitable. I wanted to play with the best and win and Maryland was the best place to do that."

As a freshman in 2007, he started 12 matches, splitting time in goal with Thorne Holder, who is now a backup goalkeeper with the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. He allowed just 12 goals on the year for a solid 0.87 goals against average.

Following the season, head coach Sasho Cirovski boasted another stellar recruiting class which included U-17 national team keeper Zac MacMath. MacMath and Swaim battled for the starting role through the first six games of the 2008 season before MacMath took over the post and never looked back.

"My partnership with Zac is awesome. I really think it was so much different than any other goalkeeping group in the country," Swaim said. "We both wanted each other to get better and became very close as we trained."

"It was always competitive but also very fun and entertaining," MacMath said. "We always pushed each other to get better every day, regardless of who coach decided to put in net."

The Terps would go on to win the 2008 national championship with Swaim tallying a 4-2 record on the year. He would go on to win two more games in 2009 before serving a redshirt season in 2010. While Swaim's stats may not have been as impactful as he would have liked, his leadership and charisma were essential to the success of the program.

"Will is a fantastic goalkeeper and by always giving his best and pushing to be his best, it made me want to get better and work harder," MacMath said. "He always gave pointers to me if he thought there was something I could do better."

After back-to-back All-America campaigns, MacMath left school early and was drafted by Philadelphia with the fifth overall selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.

Meanwhile, back in College Park, the chips were falling into place for one last run for Swaim.

"Deciding to come back was a difficult decision because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life," Swaim said. "I felt like I had something I still needed to do or prove to myself. I thought, who knows, maybe coming back will help me figure that thing out."

Swaim was eventually accepted into graduate school and was poised to regain his spot as Maryland's main man between the pipes in 2011. He is now responsible for helping mentor the next generation of Terp goalkeepers as he joins freshmen Keith Cardona and Jordan Tatum to comprise this season's goalkeeping unit.

"We were absolutely delighted that Will decided to come back for his fifth year," Cirovski said. "So obviously we feel like the goalkeeper position will be a solid position for us this season."

Swaim has been spectacular thus far, racking up a 0.77 goals against average with four shutouts while leading one of the strongest defenses in the country. The Terps boast a stellar 9-0-1 record heading into a marquee contest against No. 2 Creighton on Friday night despite losing seven starters from a year ago.

"Will is an awesome guy," MacMath said. "He's fun to be around, loves to crack jokes, and keeps the mood light for everyone. He's a great goalkeeper and someone you can always rely on."

Though it has definitely been a journey for Swaim, it appears the goalkeeper who has made making saves his livelihood at Maryland has saved the best for last.