COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Maryland Athletics is proud to announce the leaders of student-led groups for the 2023-24 academic year. Terrapin student-athletes will lead four groups - the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), PreHealth Terps, WorldWide Terps and the Team IMPACT Fellows program.
  SAAC's focus is "Service to Others, Advocacy for one Another." SAAC will continue to be the voice of the Maryland student-athletes to the Athletic Department leadership, Big Ten Conference, and the NCAA. Resa Lovelace on SAAC: "Over the last two years, I've seen our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee really start to find their voice regarding the student-athlete experience and well-being. I believe that this year will be no different. Our President and Leadership Board are ready to engage with our Senior Leadership Team on enhancing nutrition, engaging with the Mental Health staff, leading in the local community, and continuing to build a more cohesive athletic community." The PreHealth Terps organization aims to bring student-athletes interested in working in the health field together to share resources, ideas and to support one another. Adaeze Alaeze on PreHealth Terps: "I'm thrilled to be working with the future healthcare professionals! I'm looking forward to helping provide this group opportunities and resources to better prepare themselves for life after college." Worldwide Terps brings international student-athletes together to share their experiences of living in the U.S. and to celebrate all of their cultures. Sydney Anderson on Worldwide Terps: "The international student-athlete experience is so intricate and I cannot wait to work with the Worldwide Terps to address some of the issues they may face as well as build community amongst international student-athletes!" Team IMPACT tackles the emotional trauma and social isolation experienced by children facing serious and chronic illnesses by matching them with a college athletic team. Through a two-year therapeutic program that complements their medical treatments, children develop relationships and skills that help them complete the full circle of healing. The Fellows will represent Team IMPACT to collaborate with the athletic teams, athletic department and greater campus community to raise awareness and increase program participation. In return, Team IMPACT provides opportunities for Fellows to build their skills in leadership, community organization, public speaking, and professional/career development, preparing them to be leaders in the workforce and beyond. Deja Parker on the Team IMPACT Fellows: "Over the years, the Team IMPACT Fellows have created a strong foundation on this campus by raising awareness about the amazing work Team IMPACT is doing. Seeing how inspired our new fellows are this year to continue this stride is the reason I am so excited to be working with them. This year is a rebuilding stage for our Team IMPACT Fellows so I am determined to empower them to take lead on this year's events on Maryland's campus and connect with fellows from neighboring colleges and universities".