When the Big Ten Conference canceled fall sports seasons due to the coronavirus pandemic, three University of Maryland field hockey players used the situation to take advantage of a rare opportunity. Current field hockey players Hannah Bond and Mayv Clune connected with Terp field hockey alum Susie Rowe to play club field hockey this season at Sevenoaks Hockey Club, which is located just outside of London.

Bond and Rowe first met when they both represented the Sevenoaks team during the 2016-17 season. They played on the team's defensive line. Rowe played for the Terrapins from 2005-08, helping the Terps to the 2005, 2006 and 2008 NCAA titles. She was also the 2008 Honda Sports Award winner. Once the Terps' fall season was canceled, Bond decided to rejoin her former teammate in playing for Sevenoaks in London. 

Bond and Rowe, who already lived in England, were joined by Clune once the Terrapins fall season was canceled. Clune made a last-minute decision to come to England to play alongside her friend and teammate, Hannah Bond. Clune explained that coming to England gave the trio the opportunity to play competitively after they thought their season had been lost. 

"It turned out to be perfect, because Hannah recently rejoined her old club and has been able to play hockey since the restrictions on sports are less strict [in England]," Clune said.

Thus far, it has been a very successful season for the team, which competes in Division 1 of the England National Hockey League. 

 "We have had no losses but have a big, top-of-the-league clash this coming weekend," Bond said. 

A typical day for the three Terps is very busy, as they all balance schoolwork, jobs and hockey training. Rowe explained that in addition to playing hockey, she works as a physical education teacher at a nearby school, coaches junior hockey and plays professional cricket. As for Clune and Bond, they have been able to balance schoolwork in an off-campus setting, with spending time with family and visiting other parts of England. Clune and Bond also have been able to spend a lot more time together, now that Clune is spending the season at Bond's house.

"Mayv is staying with me from September to December, It's such a fun opportunity to see her again," Bond said. 

Even so far from home, Bond, Clune and Rowe have been able to keep the Terp spirit alive. Rowe expressed her gratitude at having Bond and Clune join the team.

"It's great to share the special bond of being a Terp, and it's so nice and quite nostalgic to see Mayv and Hannah wearing their Maryland Field Hockey apparel to practice," Rowe said. "Being a Terp teaches you to be an independent thinker and a leader, and of course a hard worker who is prepared to do whatever it takes for the team. I can certainly see these characteristics in Mayv and Hannah, and they have been tremendous additions to the Sevenoaks team this season." 

Clune, too, emphasized that she feels at home on the Sevenoaks team.

"Susie has been very welcoming," she said. "Once a Terp, always a Terp."