Laugh, Relax, & Socialize

Maryland Made partnered with the M Club to host Maryland Athletics’ third annual block party on May 8 at SECU Stadium. 

The block party, a testament to Maryland’s strong community spirit, was created to celebrate the end of the academic year and provide an opportunity for student-athletes to have fun. It was a joyous occasion where student-athletes, coaches and administrators came together to enjoy delicious meals and immerse themselves in various activities during the evening.   

“The block party is a celebration of the year-long work our student-athletes have put in the classroom, on the fields and courts of play and in all of their extracurricular activities to assist them in being the best all-around person they can be,” said Colleen Sorem, Maryland Athletics' Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer. “Our student-athletes deserve to be celebrated, and this event is one small way we can do that.”

Many local food vendors, such as Roaming Rooster, Roots and Kona Ice, sponsored the event. Maryland concessions and food trucks also provided many different food options.

The event featured lawn games, a 360-degree photo booth and a DJ who created an electric atmosphere with live music.   

“It is a time for them to laugh, relax, socialize and not think about the stressors in their everyday lives for a few hours,” Sorem continued. “I think this is becoming an annual tradition that our student-athletes look forward to and want to be a part of. They don't want to miss the block party.  They are engaged in the planning process and throughout the event.”

Two football student-athletes, Ruben Hyppolite II and DJ Samuels, hosted the event. The student-athletes brought the event to life, providing fun and energetic vibes to the student-athlete body. They took turns giving shoutouts and introducing staff and the different teams represented. 

“It was great to be given an opportunity to be a voice on behalf of the student-athlete body,” Hyppolite said, “I enjoyed seeing everyone come together from different sports and fellowshipping with each other.”

The class of 2024 student-athlete graduates attended the block party after their graduation ceremony. All student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics staff were invited to participate. Student-athletes socialized within their student-athlete community and celebrated the end of the year.

Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics Damon Evans, kicked off the evening of activities by briefly sharing a few accomplishments of his student-athletes during the academic year. 

Evans praised student-athletes for engaging with each other, the local community and opportunities in the Big Ten Conference. He mentioned previous events they participated in, such as the annual dodgeball event, which over 100 student-athletes attend, and the "A Taste Around The World" dinner with Worldwide Terps.

He continued, mentioning the SAAC and Social Justice Alliance event at Bowie State University, where they discussed how to stop gun violence in communities. Some student-athletes visited local children's hospitals to lift the spirits of kids. Many of them participated in Reading Week at a local elementary school to highlight the diversity across the community. Evans even highlighted the upcoming Agricultural trip in Iowa and the trip to Selma that many student-athletes will participate in over the summer.

Resa Lovelace, the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and Inclusive Excellence of Maryland Made Terps, says the event is becoming a tradition.  

“The block party really signals the end of the academic year, where everyone can just let loose one more time before they focus back on finals and for our seniors to walk across the stage,” Lovelace said. “I’m proud that this event lives on, and I’m ready to see what the future holds.”