This month's featured hardshell is Matt Rambo, who helped lead Maryland to the 2017 National Championship and holds program records in points (257) and goals (155). Rambo will make his National Lacrosse League debut this month with the Philadelphia Wings. Four other Terps are also set to compete in the NLL this season, with league play beginning on December 15. 
 

"I always wanted to play in the NLL. Growing up I always watched the Philadelphia Wings, so when this opportunity presented itself, I jumped all over it. I think the indoor game can take my outdoor game to the next level. It's such a fun and different game and makes your skill level so much better in so many different areas. I was just excited to have the opportunity – I wanted to try it out at least one time. I think all the best lacrosse players that have ever played were both indoor and outdoor players, so I wanted to be in the category where I got to play both and say I got to play in both leagues."   

What makes indoor lacrosse so different? What kind of challenges does it present?

"When I played in the professionals last year there was a shot clock, so it was always faster. But indoor is a faster game, the pace is obviously tighter and it's a different style of shooting. The goals are smaller and the goalies are bigger, so you have to be super accurate and disciplined. You're hiding your stick, faking the goalie out – it's just a whole different game how to shoot and score. It always has challenges, but that's why I play lacrosse."

You're playing more lacrosse than you maybe ever have before with a full season of indoor games and MLL play in the summer. How do you adjust to that schedule playing so many physical games all the time?

"It definitely takes a toll on your body, but with the technology and recovery methods nowadays there's so many things you can do. It's all about prepping your body before the week – eating right, staying in shape so your body can recover faster. It obviously takes a toll playing in the MLL, and I'll also be playing in the [Premier Lacrosse League] too so you just have to take proper precautions and listen to your body."

You reunited with your former Maryland teammate Isaiah Davis-Allen with the Wings, when did you first learn you two would be playing together again and what are you looking forward to? 

"I learned in the expansion draft that we had picked him up.  I stay in contact with Isaiah and a lot of former Terps, but having him here is great. He was my roommate last weekend in Buffalo for our scrimmage and it was great catching up with him, like we were right back in college. Our brotherhood and relationship from the Terps and all the alumni is unbelievable – especially with Isaiah he was my roommate freshman year and I lived with him for three years."

What keeps you busy off the field these days? Any professional pursuits?

"I do clinics and camps all over the country. I'm sponsored by two companies, so I'm doing a lot of appearances to help them out. And I'm also an assistant coach at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy – and the head coach is a Terp too, Brian Dougherty – so I can't get away from the Terps. It's so much fun, I've known him for years – he's the best goalie ever. He's awesome, and it's just been such a fun experience after college. The great thing is I get to do what I love to do, whether it's working out, teaching the game or coaching."

What are you looking forward to this season for Maryland's team? What excites you about this team?

"Well I think Maryland is always in good hands with Coach Tillman – he's the greatest. I'm excited, I think they're a younger team and a lot of guys have to step up. But that's the beauty of college lacrosse, every year guys leave and every year people have to step up. And I'm excited because a lot of these guys that are going to have to step up were freshmen and sophomores when I was a senior. So seeing those guys as the older guys and how they've matured and developed as players is amazing. I think they're going to have a great season, I wouldn't expect anything less. That's the standard at Maryland and that'll always be the standard at Maryland. So I'm just excited to see the season get started and I'll definitely be coming to a lot of lacrosse games down there or when they're up in Philly."