Aug. 13, 2012

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Terrapin field hockey alumni from all over the world return to campus and keep strong bonds with the program to help make Terp hockey stronger than ever. Every summer, Terps from over the years teach camp and help make Maryland's brand the best.

This year was no different. Numerous Terrapins came back to College Park to teach the Maryland skills and style of play on the field that is home to five sets of national champions.

In the Terps' camp sessions, students of the game learned from Terrapin legends including Kathryn Masson '07, a three-time All-American goalie, as well as Emma Thomas '09, Melissa Vassalotti '11, Ameliet Rischen '09, and Jackie Ciconte '05, all of which are national champions. Colleen Barbieri Casada '04, a 2002 All-American, was also an alum back in College Park. Current assistant coaches Dina Rizzo, who was on the 1999 national championship team, and Barb Weinberg, also helped teach the Maryland way.

"I think it says so much about Maryland and the place that it is, that our alums come from all over the world to teach the culture of the Terps," Rizzo said. "They are Terps for life and want to grow the game and our program. Once you're a Terp, you're always a Terp."

This bond between the members of the Terrapin hockey family comes from the top down, as head coach Missy Meharg has instilled that in her players over her 25 years as head coach. She started as an assistant coach for the Terps, then took over in 1988. She's helped her teams to numerous awards on and off the field, and has always brought in great players that just love to play.

Check out the Terps Saturday, Aug. 18 at 2:30 p.m. as they take on the U.S. Under-21 team at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. Admission is free and all fans are welcome to attend.