COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The University of Maryland hosted sixth grade students from the College Park Academy on Wednesday for an afternoon of leadership discussion and training. Student-athletes have participated in Terps Leadership Academy events throughout the year, culminating in a joint program with the charter school in Heritage Hall of the XFINITY Center.

“It is a lot of fun. That was the whole part of me wanting to come do this – being able to interact with the kids and have a good time and hang out,” said redshirt senior wrestler Geoff Alexander.

Joining Alexander was Varun Ram (men's basketball), Sarah Calta (softball), Madison Martin (softball), Macey Roberts (gymnastics), Noella Anyangwe (track & field) and Skylynne Ellazar (softball) to address the students and participate in a variety of activities.

“Whatever you do, don't give up, work hard and the sky is the limit for you,” Ram told the students.  

The programming included activities to promote communication and teamwork.

“The College Park Academy students were really engaged, as were our student-athletes. I think there was a really good dialogue about leadership and communication and effective traits of being a leader,” said Sue Sherburne, Assistant Athletic Director of Life Skills and Career Development. “The students were inspired by some of the things our student-athletes were saying.”

The Terps Leadership Academy allowed participating student-athletes to develop their own skills throughout the year, which they were able to apply within their team dynamic.

“If I knew the leadership skills I know now back when I was a kid, it could have really helped me develop even more than I have today,” Alexander said. “We have been doing these leadership institutes all year now, and today was another great chapter in that experience.” 

-Terps-