2023 In Review: Top 10 Feature Stories
12/26/2023
From an unbelievable display of courage and character under the toughest circumstances to realizing dreams really do come true … Take a look back at umterps.com's Top 10 Feature Stories of 2023 in our special Year In Review series.
#1 - “I Wanted To Do That Routine For Him.”
April 14, 2023
Tasha Brozowski had done hundreds and hundreds of bar routines throughout her life before she stepped onto the floor to do one at NCAA Regionals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. But the ensuing routine—one that earned an impressive 9.850 score and contributed to Maryland's NCAA Regional team score record of 196.675—would be one that she and hundreds of others who have now seen her story would remember for a very long time.
Tasha inspired us all at NCAA Regionals, dedicating her routine to her father's memory.
— Maryland Gymnastics (@TerpsGymnastics) April 10, 2023
To support the Brozowski family, you can donate at ??https://t.co/wnZqpIRTGs pic.twitter.com/ckiHtcnDco
#2 - Breaking Ground On A New Home
June 22, 2023
There have been countless significant moments throughout the history of Maryland basketball—both on the men’s and women’s side. From Kristi Toliver’s historic shot to force overtime en route to winning the 2006 National Championship, to Len Bias out-dueling Michael Jordan and North Carolina in 1986, the list is endless.
And though today, June 22, 2023, wasn’t a monumental win on the court, it marked another significant day in Maryland basketball history just the same as construction of the new Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center officially began.
Gallery: BPC Groundbreaking
#3 - Always With Her
May 12, 2023
Every time Abby Bosco raises her lacrosse stick in the draw circle, her eyes dart to the letters "RB" written on her wrist, instantly instilling a sense of calm.
The "RB" initials are in memory of Bosco's father, Richard Bosco, who tragically passed away in the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center.
Being just two years old when he died, Bosco, unfortunately, didn't get much time with her dad. Nevertheless, his memory and character are still with her today in how she carries herself both as a person and as a standout lacrosse player.
#4 - Return Of The Script
June 29, 2023
There have been letters and numbers; terrapins of all types; the outline of Fort McHenry; flags in various shapes; flags in monochrome and in the full, glorious colors of the state flag.
There have been all manner of designs on Maryland football helmets through the years.
But the one that longtime Terps fans keep coming back to is the iconic “Script Terps.”
In fact, the university announced that it will be bringing back the Script Terps on helmets and the accompanying retro-look uniform on a regular basis for the 2023 season. Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics Damon Evans and Head Coach Michael Locksley are paying homage to a tradition that dates back to 1982 – a transformational year in Maryland football history that included a new coach and an infusion of excitement into the program.
Here’s the never-been told story about the history of Script Terps.
Gallery: Script Terps Is Back
#5 - Maryland's California Girls Are Undeniable
October 4, 2023
The friendship of Alex McGillivray and Eva Rohrbach started as all great friendships do — with beach volleyball and a little intimidation.
Growing up in the suburbs of San Diego, the two met each other on the beach courts scattered throughout southern California, playing against each other in tournaments. Without having conversed with each other, both felt intimidated by the other, in awe of their volleyball skills.
“I remember for me, Eva was super intimidating because I remember playing her and she beat us that first time,” McGillivray said. “ Then I remember she came to a tryout for a team I was on and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s the really good beach girl I used to play against.’”
#6 - Family Ties
April 21, 2023
Throughout its history, Maryland men's lacrosse is a program that hangs its hat on its core tenets, including culture, tradition, and family. Concerning the latter, the word "family" has meaning both figuratively—with the brotherhood shared by both former and current Terps— and literally—with extensive family ties throughout the program.
This year's team is home to several Terps with older brothers, fathers, uncles, and/or grandfathers who were also Hardshells and grew up inspired by their older counterparts' stories.
#7 - Their Lovin' It
August 14, 2023
You’d be hard-pressed to find many brands throughout the world that are bigger than McDonald’s, and, here at Maryland, men’s and women’s basketball players are in partnerships with the international powerhouse through their respective NIL deals.
Faith Masonius, Brinae Alexander, Lavender Briggs and Julian Reese all have lucrative deals with the company, with the student-athletes spotlighting the company’s food, beverages and app on their social media in exchange for payment.
#8 - In His Own Words: Cayden Onagi
November 7, 2023
Dear Men,
Let’s break the silence about men’s mental health in sports together.
In this high-pressure world of sports, where being successful and having a competitive spirit within sports often takes center stage, it is crucial to shine a spotlight on a topic that’s frequently overlooked but equally significant: men’s mental health. Being a student-athlete can be hard and the stigma around men's mental health gives athletes like me the unconscious masculine ideals that have been conditioned in myself and many other athletes: “Be a Man,” “Don’t show your emotions,” and “Don’t speak up.”
#9 - In His Own Words: Deonte Banks - A Draft Day Dream
April 27, 2023
Draft Day. The day I've been waiting for since I was a kid. What a journey it has been to get here.
I remember as a little boy - probably about eight years old - running up and down the steepest part of Montebello Hill in Baltimore. I would wake up and go as many mornings as I could and would run the steepest hill there every time. I tried to get my cousin and brother to go, but they never wanted to come.
It was me out there by myself. Well, me and my father. My father would be the one to take me there. And he would hold me accountable. When we were on that hill, I was going to do exactly what I said I was going to do before I started.
Gallery: NFL Draft - Deonte Banks
#10 - Maryland's Transfers Are Ready To Dance On The Biggest Stage
March 16, 2023
For Brinae Alexander, Lavender Briggs, and other Terp transfers, playing on the biggest stage in college basketball is what pulled them to College Park.
"I knew that the team is in this position consistently," said Alexander. "This is what I came here for."
Entering this year's tournament as a second-seed, the Maryland women's basketball team stands among the best programs in the country, making it a popular destination for players looking to change teams.
Alexander transferred to Maryland this season after four years at Vanderbilt. The co-captain has had a successful season, reaching her 1,000 career point mark as a Terp. This is her first time playing in the NCAA tournament.
"I knew the tournament was inevitable, but we still had to put our heads down and work hard. But I am very excited to be on this stage," Alexander said.
Gallery: WBB NCAA Tournament Day 1
