COLLEGE PARK, Md. –  The University of Maryland women's lacrosse and field hockey programs look to strengthen their tradition of excellence as the athletic department renovates their facility. The stadium renovation's fundraising goal is $4 million, which will transform the facility from 5,500 square feet to 12,000 square feet. 

Keli Smith, Maryland field hockey player from the class of 2000, and Angela Klingerman, Maryland field hockey player from the class of 2002, have taken it upon themselves to invest in this facility upgrade project and organize a group donation on behalf of the 1999 National Champion Field Hockey team.

This group of women got together last spring for their annual reunion and came to realize it had been 20 years since their national championship win. This is when the idea sparked to provide a donation for the project.  

"Our class from Maryland is still very close. We try to support the program by going to events and if we have the means to give financially then we do it," Smith said. "We knew that Missy [Meharg, head field hockey coach] was looking to upgrade the facility and we got excited and wanted to be a part of it." 

"Winning NCAA Championships is the ultimate student-athlete experience," Meharg said. "This 1999 team is outrageous and contagious, and no words can thank them enough. They celebrate daily the love, enthusiasm, grit, courage, and the Terp attitude that they and their children will share for a lifetime. We are so grateful, but not surprised that this extraordinary group of fearless women continues to give back."

Nine other members of the class of 1999 contributed to the gift, including Kateri Shreve, Dina Rizzo, Sarah Rappolt, Lindsay Gorewitz, Carol Senkler, Kristy Dignan, Autumn Kelly, Megan Walter and Ashley Reimer. 

These women can attest to the fact that playing sports at such a high level often shapes the type of people athletes become. 

"Playing field hockey at Maryland was life changing. I think back as to how difficult of a commitment it was but it is so worth it when you look back on your teammates and experience. Many moments didn't seem like a lot, but they have driven a lot of who we are today," Klingerman said. 

The facility upgrade directly impacts current Terps, alumni and future Terps on and off the field.  

"I think it's a competitive advantage to upgrade the space and the recruits definitely look at it. From an alumni perspective to come back to an awesome facility is great. It's most important for current players and the program because it means a ton to train in a professional environment. It's a big piece of success," Smith said. 

The Field Hockey and Women's Lacrosse Stadium upgrade project is just one important component of the Maryland Athletics Building Champions Campaign, which will impact every Maryland student-athlete. Other programs that will see upgrades to their facilities as part of the Building Champions Campaign include men's and women's basketball, baseball, football, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's track and field, as well as a renovation of Gossett Football Team House to include an expanded and enhanced academic center for all student-athletes. 

For more information about the Building Champions Campaign, visit umterps.com/buildingchampions or call the Terrapin Club at 301-314-7020.