COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Freshman Ella Gaitan was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week in an announcement by the conference on Monday. 

On Sunday,  Gaitan recorded her first career multi-goal game in Maryland's 5-0 victory over No. 10 Iowa.  She scored her second and third career goals, both from Maryland penalty corners.  This marks the second time this season that Gaitan has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. 
 
This past summer, Gaitan was part of the 2024 U.S. U21 National Team.  She helped the USA Field Hockey U21 Women's National Team to the Silver Medal at the 2024 Junior Pan American Championship which was held July 2-12 at Tamanawis Park in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Their strong performance secured the USA a spot in the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cup.

Before arriving to Maryland, Gaitan was recognized as one of the national's top prospects, being named a 2022 Max Field Hockey Top 50 Player for the 2024 Class.  Her standout high school career earned her several honors in 2021, including MAX Field Hockey Second Team All-New Jersey Region, First Team MAPL, and NJISA Prep "A" All-State First Team.

Maryland field hockey is back in action on Friday, as they travel to East Lansing, Michigan to face off against Michigan State. The game is slated for 3:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus.