Impact of a Scholarship: Sami Main

Sami Main fulfilled her childhood dream of playing softball in college through the help of a Maryland scholarship, and made connections and formed relationships that have given her countless opportunities for success and happiness.

Main grew up playing softball since age six. Ever since she was introduced to softball, her experience traveling for the game and competing in tournaments led her to realize that she wanted to continue softball in college.

“We had a project in one of our classes to build a roadmap and establish our goals. One of my goals was to play softball in college, so it’s crazy that I actually followed what I wrote in eighth grade,” Main mentions. 

Not only did she wish to play softball at a university level, but also had a profound love for the University of Maryland as she grew up going to sporting events with her father who was a Maryland alumnus. 

“Maryland was obviously top on the list because I had great experiences there and my dad had a great experience there.” Having the opportunity to play at a school that feels like home to her and her family was a dream come true for the former Terp.

After forming a relationship with former pitching coach LB Bailey at a Fordham softball camp, Main was introduced to Tommy Santiago, the assistant softball coach while she was being recruited to Maryland. Santiago made an appearance at Main’s state final game, ironically held at University of Maryland’s softball stadium, and soon after was offered a spot on the team.

Stepping onto campus as a recent Maryland student-athlete allowed her to see the school in a way she never had seen before. “I had really only ever seen the sporting venues, so when I really took a tour of campus, I just loved the brick buildings, the greenery, the mall; it’s just beautiful,” Main reminisces. 

One of Main’s fondest memories as a Maryland student-athlete took place at an early-season tournament at the University of Florida. Florida’s team was ranked number one in the nation, coming into the game undefeated, while Maryland was trying to secure its first win of the season. 

The game began with a rain delay which caused much anticipation. While Main typically pitched and was a pinch-runner, she was called to start at second base. Maryland pulled out an incredible win. “It was crazy; I think it made us reflect and say we’re capable of competing with anybody really,” Main says.

Afterward, the team celebrated at a local pizza restaurant in Florida with great food and even better people. Main enjoyed memories like this; being able to spend quality time with girls who would not only serve as teammates but as lifelong friends meant the world to her.

Another memory that will stay with Main forever was her ability to travel during her time as a student-athlete. The team played in 21 different states, including Hawaii.

Although Main was kept busy with her softball schedule, she worked hard to prioritize her studies as well. This was all possible at a school like Maryland; Main felt that she was provided extensive support while excelling both academically and athletically.

“Being a part of the softball team, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), along with other extracurricular activities, really helped teach me time management which made me efficient at studying.” With this balance mastered, Main felt as if her work ethic and determination to do well helped her succeed with academics.

In addition to balancing her extracurriculars and schoolwork, Main loved the ability to give back to the community. She participated in many service initiatives such as Terps against Hunger, Terpsgiving at Baltimore Amazing Grace Church, Adopt a Family, Shawne Nerrunab Coat drive, and more.

Her willingness to help the community didn’t stop there as she dedicated time to coaching a 14U softball team. She gave pitching lessons to a variety of ages and skill levels. “I loved my role as a student-athlete for the platform it gave me to impact future generations of softball players,” Main says.

Aside from the relationships she has maintained with teammates beyond her college years, Main also formed relationships with her coaches and other Maryland student-athletes who have helped guide her through her preferred professional job path.

“My focus has always been connecting with people who are in medicine,” Main discusses. Darby Moore, a former Maryland soccer player, and Malina Howard, a former Maryland basketball player, both who attend Maryland medical school, have been a great resource to Main, who is seeking any advice for her future endeavors in the medical field.

“It’s incredible what connections I made through being on the softball team; I don’t think these other Maryland student-athletes would know who I was and I wouldn’t get the opportunity to connect with them,” Main says.

Main’s relationship with Coach Tommy Santiago was also carried beyond college and ultimately allowed Main to pursue her dream career in medicine at the University of South Florida’s Medical Program. As assistant softball coach at USF, Santiago helped advocate for Main and she was soon accepted into the master’s program, with a focus on interdisciplinary medical science.

“He reached out to me in very late May, early June and the program started June 7th. It was a quick decision, but I’m very excited about it because it’s very concentrated on what I’m looking to do and what I’m passionate about.”

Main experienced many other benefits from her scholarship, one being the ability to graduate with no student debt. She had many friends who struggled with student loans, and if it weren’t for her scholarship, she would have been in the same boat. 

“As a division one athlete, during summers, we train and try to get better, so I never actually was employed until after I graduated. The scholarship allowed me to come out of college without really having to worry about paying for my education; there’s no words to describe that.”

She is also very thankful that her time as a student-athlete helped her financially with her Master’s. “Shoutout to the M Club because I received the Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship, and that’s helping me to cover my Master's as well. I can’t say enough about the donors and everything really involved with it.”

As a result of her accomplishments during undergrad, Main was accepted into the University of Maryland’s Omicron Delta Kappa Circle (ODK), a national leadership honor society. She will forever be recognized at the fountain on McKeldin Mall for her involvement with athletics, community service, and scholarship. 

“Being an athlete, I mean the connections, the alums, the M Club, the opportunities for other societies and extracurriculars, all gave me the opportunity to meet so many people, and you just never know what that can do outside of athletics and your career.”

She also gives a special shoutout to Maryland Athletic Director, Damon Evans. “I think he has really helped the softball program move in the right direction under Coach Mark Montgomery and I’m really excited to see where they go; they’ve got some good talent coming in.” She has high hopes for the future of the team and is looking forward to seeing Montgomery lead the team to success and bring back the prestige of the program.

For future Terps on scholarships, Main advises that they soak up the experience and make connections as much as they can. “I can’t emphasize enough that connections from athletics have been tremendous. Not only am I able to afford education and higher education, but even just personal connections; there is always someone to talk to and get advice from,” Main vouches.

Main hopes to continue her involvement with Maryland and the M Club. “Hopefully one day I’ll be able to provide someone the ability to go to the University of Maryland.”