Dear Maryland, 

Reflecting back on these past four years, I can't believe how far I've come. To think that I will be graduating with my Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology within just a few short weeks is astonishing and I am so proud of myself. Not the exact way I imagined it to be, but I am still thankful for all the people I have met along the way and the memories I have made. Each year that I have been at Maryland, I created different goals for myself to accomplish on and off the track. After overcoming a back injury my freshman year, I took every opportunity to come back stronger than ever. 

The dedication and commitment I put towards my love for this sport serves as a part of my growth. Each year I continued to improve and in my junior season I took off, scoring second at the outdoor BIG Ten Championships with a jump of 42'6.25", and I also qualified for the NCAA East Regional meet. I took this energy going into my senior year, looking to improve even further and hopefully break some records. While my indoor season had its ups and downs, I still kept my head up throughout all of it. My teammates and coaches are really what makes this experience so special, their love and support does not go unnoticed. I am so thankful to be a part of Maryland track and field. This team is truly family, and I wish we had our outdoor season to make more memories together. 

I never thought four years would go so fast, and now I'm the senior that wants to tell all my younger teammates to cherish every moment that you have. Every failure and success serves as a learning experience, and only helps to prepare you for the next step in your life. My motto has always been, "No Let Up," a saying that my dad always repeated when he was battling cancer. By not giving up and battling through the hardships of my life I would not be the person I am today. Everyone has that one drive that pushes them to get through anything and mine is my dad. For him to see my growth as an independent woman here at Maryland would be my biggest wish but I know he is watching from above.

Even though some chapters have to come to an end, mine is not over yet. I am blessed to have the opportunity to come back next year to compete for the 2021 outdoor season. I am so excited to continue my education as well here at Maryland, pursuing a M.P.H. in Public Health Practice and Policy. So my Terp days are not over yet! I am so excited to see what my future holds ahead of me. For the rest of my senior Terps, I love you all and can't wait to see your journeys ahead. Change is scary and comes with a lot of uncertainty, but from being a student athlete at Maryland I know you are all ready for it. The love and support from this team will follow you throughout your next chapter and all the ones ahead. Forever and always a Terp.

With love,
Leah Blackall 
 

Paige Novak, cross country/distance

Dear Maryland,

From my official visit to my last practice, I felt an instant bond with my teammates on the cross country and track and field team. I knew that Maryland was the best place for me, and I was thrilled to train, compete, learn and grow at such an amazing school. My teammates always made me feel included and loved, which meant I could be myself and strive towards my goals with an amazing support system. College Park became my home away from home because of the amazing people I met here. 

Being a Terp and a student-athlete is undoubtedly one of my favorite college experiences. At times, it was difficult to balance classes, practices, internships, studying, etc.; however, the sense of satisfaction from hard work always made it worth the challenge. Running is as much a mental sport as it is a physical sport because it requires a heightened degree of discipline and commitment. I quickly learned that progress is not linear and that results do not happen overnight. It will take weeks, months, or even years for a breakthrough to happen.

Although my senior season did not go as planned, it tested my strength and mentality and will nevertheless shape me as an individual. During cross country, I was at one of my lowest mental and physical points. I  genuinely questioned if I should quit, because my love for the sport wasn't the same.  After taking a step back and doing soul searching, I realized that running and competing was one of my greatest joys, so it was time to shift my focus and find my motivation again. Upon this wake-up-call, my appetite for success pushed me forward. I was eager to show up, trust the process, and redeem myself. Although I didn't know it at the time, my indoor season was my last one. Luckily, I finished my career with a season personal best! I'm heartbroken over losing my outdoor season, but I will not let that diminish all my other proud moments throughout my Maryland journey.

In my final words, I want to say thank you to my Maryland family. This includes the incredible teammates, coaches, advisors, faculty, teachers, classmates, and more who've influenced me over the past four years. I also want to thank my amazing family: my mom, dad, and brother. Finally, I'd be nothing without one of my biggest supporters, my Grandpa. He encouraged me to be the fiercest competitor every day and taught me to always keep fighting. Our mantra -- "Take No Prisoners" -- helped me tremendously during my running career and will stay with me as I move forward into a new chapter of life. 

Once a Terp, always a Terp!

Sincerely,

Paige Novak

-TERPS-