Feature Friday: Terp Reflections

There is nothing that can replicate coming into the locker room after a win for the Terps. The relationships I built with all of the teammates I had over the years will last a lifetime and it's something I’ll cherish forever. Being a student-athlete at UMD also taught me the life practices I need to be successful on and off the field of play, which I can’t wait to put to use in the near future.

Being a student-athlete at Maryland has been the best experience I could have asked for. The energy surrounding Maryland Athletics is awesome, I'll especially miss playing in those Saturday home games in College Park. Maryland has helped push me to be at my best every day. I have developed a better work ethic on and off the field and have seen more positive outcomes in my daily life. Most importantly, the people and the relationships I developed here will carry on into the future.

One of my most special moments as a Terp was during the 2019 National Championship in Maryland, walking out of the tunnel, and taking in the opportunity we had before us. I was alongside 30+ of my best friends, playing the sport we loved most, on the biggest stage in college athletics. Seeing the smiles on our faces, the sea of Terp fans, and the trophy we had worked all season for, was the moment I knew my dream had come true. I’ll never forget the emotions that overcame me as I took the field, thanking my 15 year old self for choosing the best school and the best program in the country.

Being a Terp to me means being the best version of myself on a daily basis. The University of Maryland athletic department helped me pushing myself to excellence while showing/modeling the way and giving me the tools to succeed. I thought there was no greater pride than representing your country internationally but in my years as a Terp, I realized that I wear as proudly the black and gold. Maryland has been my home away from home and as helped me in developing as an fearless leader as well as helping me transitioning and adapting into a new culture. The diversity and pride of the Maryland community welcomed me my freshman year and it will forever be embedded in my heart. Being a Terp is everything to me, once a Terp always a Terp. It was an honor for me representing this institution and I know that whatever the future holds for me I will always lead with fearless ideas and great Maryland pride.

I made memories at Maryland that will last a lifetime. I'm appreciative of my family, friends, professors, coaches and everyone else who helped me along the way. If there's one thing I learned during my four years, you're either built for it or you aren't. I am proud to say I am officially a graduate of the University of Maryland. Congrats Class of 2020!

Playing basketball for Maryland was something I always talked about, but never thought would actually happen. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine winning the Big Ten Championship on Senior Day and being able to cut down the nets, celebrate in front of friends and family, and finish my career with a 100% field goal percentage! I'll forever be thankful to the coaching staff and my teammates for making me a part of the journey and embracing me from the start.

There’s a certain sense of pride I felt every week representing Maryland, wearing the flag on my back, and having Maryland written across my chest. Being a student-athlete here has given me a chance to compete at the highest level and exceed my own expectations. One of the greatest moments of my time here was being able to go to regionals with my team. I will always remember the little lessons we learned every day, the strength it takes to succeed, and the confidence that Maryland has given me moving forward.

Being able to call myself a Maryland Student-Athlete was one of the greatest blessings of my life. Sometimes being around other student-athletes every day made the extraordinary seem ordinary but that was so far from the truth. Walking into the locker room each morning filled me with a sense of pride in myself and my teammates because I knew what we were capable of. The only thing that makes leaving this team easier, is knowing that someone else will take my place and be blessed as I have been. Beating Rutgers at Rutgers will forever be engrained in my memory. Everyone thought we were the underdogs going into that game—everyone but us. I remember after the game most of the seniors were crying tears of joy. Some of the freshmen asked us why, but all we could say was, 'this is what we’ve been waiting four years for'. We had been through so much hardship as a class and to see everything come to a head was unreal. I came to Maryland to help rebuild a program, and on that day I knew I had accomplished my goal.

Being a student-athlete at Maryland has meant the world to me. I was able to live my dream of playing softball at the highest level while getting a degree. A moment I will never forget at Maryland is when athletics got all the women to walk across the court in Xfinity to be recognized. It was amazing seeing all of us female student-athletes stand together & be recognized. Being a student-athlete at Maryland has shaped me for my next stage in life because it made me a strong independent woman. It also allowed me to learn from so many other athletes with such a diverse background.

I’m eternally grateful for my time as a Maryland student-athlete because I grew tremendously as an athlete and person through the many highs and lows of my career. I’ve learned that I am capable of greatness when I fully dedicate my time and energy towards my goals. Beyond running, I loved meeting lifelong friends on the team and reaching new goals alongside such hardworking and talented individuals! My Maryland teammates will always hold a special place in my heart as I look forward to my future.

Being a student-athlete at Maryland has meant so much because it helped me to push my boundaries and develop the skills for success, resiliency, and building confidence. I am very grateful for all the support along the way and felt so privileged to have the opportunity to be a student-athlete at the University of Maryland.

College is known to help shape the minds of young adults. Being the first in my immediate family to have completed college, this diploma is for each one of them, and a sign to my little sister... you are next! Congrats to all the grads of 2020. We made it! Thank you to everyone at Maryland and the M Club who has had an impact on this amazing journey, we couldn’t do this without all your love and support!