By: Jake Spitz: Maryland Athletics Student Assistant

 COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- When Robbie Rogers was a Terp, nobody truly knew who he was.

Rogers, an integral part of the 2005 National Championship team, was still a closeted member of the LGBT community at the time. And despite only being in College Park for a year before turning pro, Rogers explained that the college experience was not always easy.

“Obviously it was tough for me dealing with my sexuality,” he said. “There's that macho sports culture so you can imagine being a gay guy and being around sports all the time. Looking back on it, there were a lot of things that were sad – I was closeted and wasn't able to express who I was to people who cared a lot about me.” 

A few years after leaving Maryland, while in the beginning of a professional soccer career, Rogers came out and revealed a secret he had held for nearly 25 years. His Maryland soccer family was behind him from day one, as he recalls receiving calls from head coach Sasho Cirovski and the majority of his teammates.

“I am incredibly proud of Robbie,” Cirovski said. “He is a special human being. The outpouring of love that he has received is a clear indication of the unconditional support he has from everyone. I love Robbie for Robbie.”

Life has been a whirlwind since, and after beginning his professional career overseas, Rogers has returned to his roots in California, where he's a star for the LA Galaxy. While he has noticed progress in more athletes coming out since returning to the states, he knows there is still work to be done.

“I do get frustrated that there aren't more 'out' athletes,” he explained. “Whether it's soccer, football, basketball or baseball, I wish there were more men who were willing to do that and be role models and be willing to lend their voice to the cause.” 

Rogers has played a vital role in the men's soccer program's first 'Maryland United' match -- a night to celebrate the LGBT community and welcome them to the University of Maryland.

“When I was at Maryland, Ludwig Field was an exciting place to play and the fans were always so passionate,” Rogers said. “To have a night like this where it's very accepting is really great for sports in general, college sports and the younger generation.”

T-shirts inspired by Rogers will be available for students, and Rogers is teaming up with Maryland Soccer to have a silent auction with proceeds benefiting GLSEN, an organization whose goal is to create a safe space at universities for everyone.

Despite the efforts of GLSEN and other groups around the country, Rogers knows there is still work to be done in order to truly make all closeted athletes feel accepted.

“As a community, and as a school and a non-profit, the biggest thing they can do is create an environment where people feel accepted,” Rogers explained. “To have events like this, it's very inviting and gives people a taste of the sport.”

Rogers received overwhelming support from his coaches when he came out, and then again when he came back to the United States to play for the Galaxy. That is something he hopes to see continue for all gay athletes in the future.

“I just want to see coaches support their athletes,” Rogers explained. “Creating nights like Maryland United is great for the LGBT community and for fans to see the LGBT community at the game. But with that said, the biggest progress will come from the athlete coming out.”

Rogers believes that progress will come over time, and events like Maryland United are a good way to start.

“I'm still close with a lot of guys I played with at Maryland,” Rogers said. “I'm very passionate about giving back to the University of Maryland any way that I can.”

For more information on Maryland United night, please click here.