COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Kasey Tapman speaks with a southern drawl familiar to many on this campus. After talking to her, it's easy to tell she hails from the east coast of Maryland.

The redshirt senior grew up in Pocomoke, Md., about 30 miles from Ocean City, but attending the University of Maryland seemed unlikely for her. The Terps had a solid team, as well as a history of success, so Tapman was weighing other options. She considered Appalachian State and Division III schools where she could play softball in addition to field hockey, but a family connection drew Tapman to the Terps.

Kirstie Dennig, Tapman's cousin, was entering her third year with the Terps when Tapman was making her decision. The two played together in high school and on travel teams, and would have another opportunity to share the field if Tapman came to College Park.

“When I [told] her I was looking at Maryland, she was like 'Hey, that would be awesome, but you got to know you would have to love field hockey and it's going to be your everyday life,'” Tapman said.

Tapman joined the Terps in 2011, but chose to redshirt for the season. This gave her a season to develop as a player, and an extra year to be a Terp. She also got to be a part of a national championship that first season, and is the only player on this year's squad with that honor. Yet, Tapman doesn't dwell on past success, instead choosing to focus on this season.

“Having a fifth year and being the only one on the team to have a national championship, I don't really think about it like that,” Tapman said. “I just think about each year getting better and better and getting another one.”

Tapman has steadily rose in the program since that redshirt season. She appeared in just eight games her freshman year, but that number was up to 23 her sophomore season, including 16 starts. The defender started all 23 games the following season, and was part of the first Big Ten championship in school history. Tapman comes into this season as a captain and the centerpiece of the defense.

“This was a huge reach for Kasey to become such a prominent player at a program,” said coach Missy Meharg. “It was a huge feat for her to No. 1 get as good as she's gotten, and No. 2 to be respected enough and earn the right to be captain.”

Tapman has grown into a stellar player, but she is just as impressive in the classroom. The kinesiology major holds a 4.0 GPA, all while managing the strenuous schedule of an athlete. But, on the field she is all about the next play.

“It's difficult at times, especially the older I get, the harder the classes get,” Tapman said. “But everyone goes through it. We come out here, we put the school aside and just play field hockey.” 

While Tapman may keep sports and academics separate, Meharg believes her hard-working approach on the field translates to other aspects of life.  

“How she does one thing is how she does all things,” Meharg said. “She also has a wonderful social life, and I say that in great respect. She's intellectually innovative and in that regard she's just a champion.”

The Terps came into this season ranked third in the nation. After a few early losses, they have slid to eighth, but their national championship hopes are still strong. Tapman is searching for a second ring and a fitting end to an improbable career. Tapman's family, who attend every game, will be with her on the journey.

“I want everyone to experience that feeling, with raising the trophy up high,” Tapman said. “It's not going to be an easy route. Whether we win or lose, I know … [my family] will be there with me.”

Tapman's road has been a long one. A local kid who came to the school as an afterthought, she has become integral to the Terps' postseason hopes. Given her national championship experience, the captain will be heavily relied on as Maryland looks to make a long postseason run.

“It's been pretty cool, to like, be from Maryland, and also play on the Maryland team,” Tapman said. “I never thought I would be here today, but now looking back on it it's probably been the best decision of my life.”

Charlie Wright is a junior journalism student at the University of Maryland and is a contributing writer to umterps.com.