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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Before hitting the pool for the first time this season, the Maryland water polo team got itself ready with a grueling offseason program.

A key component of the offseason regimen was Judgment Day, a two-day training session which was geared to improve mental and physical toughness, along with leadership development and team building.

It marked the third year the Terrapins took part in Judgment Day.

The Program staff directs Judgement Day, which was held at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex, with collegiate/professional athletes and special operations warriors.

The goal is to improve each athlete using three core principles:
1) To Be Mentally and Physically Tough
2) Never Make Excuses
3) To Work Hard By Doing One More

The challenges student-athletes face throughout Judgement Day are meant to reflect similar situations in the battle field or in this case the water polo pool.

"Judgment Day was truly a pivotal moment for our team dynamic this season since [The Program leaders] Coleman and Jamie were able to shed light on our key weaknesses," said freshman Zoe Respondek, who was honored as the student-athlete who best exemplified The Programs ethos and core principles. "As snow continuously fell from the night sky, they placed us through a set of physical and mental challenges involving a couple inflatable boats. After the two-day experience, every member of the team collectively decided to attack each situation with more intensity and make a stronger effort to deepen our mental toughness."

The Terps opened the season by winning three of four games at the Terrapin Invitational and they hope Judgment Day, along with that early-season success, will propel them to greater heights in the postseason.

"Judgment Day, for me personally, was an extreme wake up call about our group mentality and will undoubtedly help us attack our mission and goals this year," Respondek said.

Terp Notes:

Auction to Help Water Polo Program The Terrapin water polo program is holding an on-line auction to aid in helping save the program.