Sept. 13, 2012

- Once stepping onto Maryland's campus, there was no turning back for junior Ali McEvoy, the Gilbertsville, Pa., native, who is a key component to the two-time defending NCAA championship Maryland field hockey team. McEvoy has started all 48 games since her freshman fall season in 2010, playing an essential role on the Terps' defense as a leader both on and off the field.

Top competitors such as North Carolina, Syracuse, Michigan and UConn recruited McEvoy, but Maryland's campus, coaching staff and high level of play is what sealed the deal.

"The coaching staff is truly remarkable," McEvoy said. "Missy Meharg has really encouraged me to strive for better each time I step onto the field. Her encouragement and guidance has allowed me to improve my game."

In her past two seasons with the Terps, McEvoy has experienced what most colligate athlete's only dream about: winning a national title.

"I remember both years right before the whistle blew in the championship game, my heart started to flutter," McEvoy said. "I just felt so grateful to have the opportunity to play with my team and show the nation we deserved to be number one in the country, two years in a row."

McEvoy's favorite memory of last fall's championship was when the Terps were down by two goals with under five minutes to play. "I kept thinking we were going to run out of time, but we ended up tying the game with zero seconds on the play clock, forcing overtime," McEvoy said. The Terps went on to defeat North Carolina 3-2 in overtime.

McEvoy is a highly decorated player, earning a spot on the All-ACC first team, NFHCA All-Mid Atlantic Region first team and womensfiieldhokcey.com All-American First Team in 2011. McEvoy also competed on the U.S. Under-21 team this summer.

She is off to a fantastic start this fall, leading the Terps with five goals on the season, and earning her first career hat trick against Dartmouth last weekend. Her performance earned her the ACC Player of the Week honor.

Although McEvoy is a clear individual standout for the Terps, she prides herself on team unity. She says that the only way to win is by playing like a team, not as an individual. McEvoy holds the defense together with her constant communication and leadership.

McEvoy is anxiously anticipating the rest of the Terps 2012 season.

"This years team has a ton of potential and versatility," McEvoy said. "The work ethic of each of my teammates is outstanding, and we know how to pump each other up. We are all working extremely hard attempting to accomplish one goal: winning another national title."