Impact Of A Scholarship: Katie Pumphrey

Having special people close to her in life has always been a priority for former Maryland women’s lacrosse defender and team captain Katie Pumphrey.

The Severna Park, Maryland, native grew up with her younger sister Emily and her parents Ann and Michael, who both graduated from the University of Maryland.

As a three-sport athlete at Severna Park High School, lacrosse seemed to always stick out to Pumphrey as she was an honorable mention All-American as a high school junior and a first-team All-American as a senior.

Her success at a high school just about an hour away from College Park gained the attention of her parents’ alma mater. 

Legendary lacrosse coach Cindy Timchal was at the helm of the Terrapins at the time when she invited Pumphrey on an official visit.

“My first impression of Maryland was the camaraderie shared by the team and I fondly remember thinking that I had found ‘my people,’” Pumphrey said. “I remember meeting women who had a variety of interests and passions, but were able to come together every day to work towards their common goal of doing their best on the lacrosse field.”

The morning after her official visit, Pumphrey, along with her mom, met Timchal for breakfast and she committed to become a Terrapin, which changed her life forever, opening up so many opportunities.

“When I started at Maryland, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and quickly discovered that I was interested in both the humanities and sciences,” she said. “I was fortunate that Maryland offered a variety of majors and minors and I started taking classes in everything that I found interesting.”

Eventually, Pumphrey and her academic advisers realized she could graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies and Bachelor of Science in Biology. 

“The ability to pursue both of my interests led me to medicine, when during my final year, I realized that medicine was a beautiful melding of the humanities and sciences that I loved so much,” Pumphrey recalled.

Being a Maryland student-athlete on scholarship gave Pumphrey the ability to pursue the career that she fell in love with.

“Having a scholarship provided me with the opportunity to graduate college with minimal debt, which made applying to medical school far less overwhelming as most physicians graduate with approximately $200,000 of debt from their medical education,” Pumphrey said.

After playing lacrosse and studying at Maryland from 2004-2009, Pumphrey attended the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, earning Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Health Administration (MHA) degrees.

She served as a leader of countless organizations, boards and groups throughout her time at VCU, which earned her various scholarships and recognition.

She is currently finishing her last year of pediatric residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and will go on to apply for a fellowship position in pediatric hospital medicine with the hope of becoming a physician leader. Pumphrey is extremely passionate about quality, safety and affordability within children’s healthcare.

During her time at NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center, Pumphrey has stayed involved in leadership roles serving as the President of the Pediatric House Staff Council and Chair of the Weill Cornell House Staff Quality Council.

“I partnered with hospital leaders to improve the resident and patient experience,” she said.

Again, Pumphrey has always enjoyed building relationships, meeting people and helping people along the way. Working in the medical field has allowed her to continue that.

The bonds she made at Maryland are ones that will last a lifetime. 

“I have so many fond memories from my time at Maryland because of the amazing people that I was surrounded by,” Pumphrey said. “From coaches to teammates, I was supported and valued. Every day, I was able to work towards a common goal with a group of women who challenged each other to do their best and every day, on the lacrosse field, was a lesson on how to be a team player and leader. This experience was priceless.”

Being a student-athlete at Maryland was one of the best parts of Pumphrey’s life and it allowed her to attend medical school and also pursue a career that she could find success in.

“Being a Maryland student-athlete is an honor that doesn’t go away when you graduate,” she said. “During college, I loved representing the University of Maryland and playing for the most successful lacrosse program in NCAA history. After graduating, I continue to feel like a representative of a Maryland student-athlete and I am proud to be an example of what a Maryland student-athlete can do when supported.”

The scholarship that she received is something that she will always be grateful for, but not just because it gave her the opportunity to play lacrosse for one of the nation’s most coveted programs, but also because of what it led to after Maryland.

“The donations you made provided me with the flexibility to take a variety of classes and discover my passion for serving others and medicine,” Pumphrey said. “Before college, I would have never guessed that I would become a physician and I am grateful for your support so I could discover my passion and purpose.”

At the end of the day, for Pumphrey, the greatest thing about her time in College Park are the individuals that created a warm and welcoming environment. 

“The special thing, to me, about Maryland is the people,” she said. “I am fortunate to have played lacrosse at the most successful women’s lacrosse program in the country, however, I feel more fortunate to have found a group of women to support me throughout my life.”