2024 Commencement: Terp Reflections

Terp Reflections

Graduation is a milestone that signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For the University of Maryland's student-athletes, this milestone is even more significant, as it represents the culmination of years of hard work dedicated to balancing the rigorous demands of sports and academics. These student-athletes have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also managed to thrive academically. They reflected on their time at Maryland, what being a Maryland student-athlete meant to them and their post-graduation next steps. Congratulations to all our Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024 graduates. 

Sam Bean

Softball - Master of Management Studies

I have been fortunate enough to continue my education and softball career at Maryland, which stands on culture and innovation. This prestigious university creates an atmosphere that supports its student-athletes and I couldn’t be more blessed to have the opportunities given to me this year and the potential of the year to come.
Sam Bean

Jakia Brown-Turner

Women's Basketball • Family Science

I am so blessed to earn a degree from my home state school. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to come home and play for Maryland.
Jakia Brown-Turner

Maria Budin

Tennis • Master of Industrial/Organizational Psychology

I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a Terp in my final year of college tennis. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and ultimately made me grow as an athlete, student, and person. I came away with lifelong friends, memories, and all the resources to be successful in my next chapter. Thank you, Terp Family. Go Terps! Always.
Maria Budin

Isaac Bunyun

Football • Public Policy

Earning my degree as a student-athlete at the University of Maryland has been an immensely rewarding journey that speaks to the hard work and dedication required both in academics and sports. The unique exposure of being a Terp has not only honed my competitive edge but also broadened my horizons, connecting me with diverse individuals and opportunities. This experience has instilled in me invaluable lessons in resilience and teamwork. I am profoundly proud to graduate with my fellow Terps and ready to apply these skills beyond the university.
Isaac Bunyun

Jayla Bynum

Track & Field • Sociology

Maryland, thank you for taking a chance on a kid from across the country. It was an honor to represent the Terps for the past two years! It has been a dream come true and my home away from home. I leave Maryland a better person than when I stepped on campus for the first time. Thank you for the experience, highs, lows, friendships, and early morning wake-up calls for the airport. There are no words to accurately give credit to how much Maryland has meant to me. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this stop one of the most memorable chapters in my life, go Terps!!
Jayla Bynum

Selma Cadar

Tennis • Master of Kinesiology

I am grateful for the journey I have been on for the past three years as a Terp, and the incredible opportunity to pursue a degree in English Language and Literature and a Master's in Kinesiology while playing the sport I love.
Selma Cadar

Tommy Capul

Wrestling • Government & Politics

When I think of my time at Maryland, one word comes to mind: Grateful. I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me to pursue my dreams athletically and academically. I’m grateful for the lifelong relationships I’ve formed and I’m forever grateful to be a Maryland Terrapin.
Tommy Capul

Anna Castaldo

Field Hockey - Criminology & Criminal Justice

I am grateful for my time at Maryland, the people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve had, and the lessons I’ve learned. It was a dream of mine to play field hockey at Maryland since I was a kid and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to spend four years here.
Anna Castaldo

Eloise Clevenger

Women’s Lacrosse - Communication

Choosing to come to the University of Maryland was easily one of the best decisions of my life. I will forever be grateful for the friendships and memories I have made over my four years. Being a part of the Maryland Women’s Lacrosse team is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. OATAAT!!
Eloise Clevenger

Billy Edwards Jr.

Football • Communication

It’s been a blessing to attend, play football, and graduate from Maryland. This school has always held a special place in my heart. My father played here, my brother graduated from here, and it’s been incredible to play college football 40 miles from my house. This team and program have come so far and I’ve enjoyed being part of the revival. My dad was in the program during the 80's run of ACC titles, and I came here because of the legacy of Maryland football he showed me!
Billy Edwards

Erin Engel

Volleyball - Community Health

My time at Maryland has been nothing short of amazing. My last three years have shaped me into who I am today and have offered me wonderful relationships. Aside from volleyball, I am forever grateful for the academic opportunities that Maryland has presented me. Overall, this experience has been one for the books and is a decision I would make many times over.
Erin Engel

Jordan Geronimo

Men's Basketball • Sociology

Obtaining a degree from the University of Maryland is one of my biggest achievements. I am especially grateful for the knowledge, connections, and opportunities I've acquired at UMD.
Jordan Geronimo

Samatha Gilbert

Gymnastics • Criminology & Criminal Justice and Art History

The University of Maryland has provided me with numerous opportunities, both through their prestigious academics and distinguished athletics, that I will be forever grateful for. The support I have received from coaches, staff, and my teammates has helped me grow into the person I am today, with a newfound confidence in my future. I am proud to have been a Terp, and the memories made during my time at UMD will always be close to my heart.
Samantha Gilbert

Victoria Hensh

Women’s Lacrosse - Master of Marketing Analytics

Playing lacrosse for the Terps has been a dream come true. I’ve developed long-lasting friendships and received a great education that has allowed me to pursue a Master's in Marketing Analytics, all while playing the sport that I love. I’m so thankful for the continued support of my family. I truly couldn’t have done it without them. Once a Terp, always a Terp!
Victoria Hensh

Michaela Jones

Softball • Marketing

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that choosing the University of Maryland was more than just choosing a school; it was choosing my home for the last four years. Little did I know at the time of commitment, the profound impact this choice would have on so many parts of my life - from personal growth to the real-world experience it has prepared me for, and so much more. Thanks to the relationships and community I’ve formed here at Maryland, this is a place sure to stay in my heart forever.
Michaela Jones

Kevin Keister

Baseball • Sociology

Going to the University of Maryland was the best decision of my life. I couldn't be happier with my choice. I've definitely grown up here, and it's bittersweet to graduate from the University of Maryland. I want to be a coach. So everything I've learned from all the different coaches I've had here, I'll definitely take with me wherever that leads me.
Kevin Keister

Jack Koras

Men's Lacrosse • Communication

Being able to come to Maryland and represent my home state has become a dream come true. I will forever be grateful for all the people I have met and all the memories made. This place truly is special. I will forever be grateful for getting the opportunity to get a degree from Maryland and to play for the lacrosse team. Maryland will always be home. Be the Best!
Jack Koras

Allie Kubek

Women's Basketball • Sociology

Earning a degree from the University of Maryland means a lot to me. I take a lot of pride being from this state and this degree is something I will forever hold near to my heart. Having the opportunity to also earn a Master’s from Maryland is a huge deal for me and my family and I am super grateful.
Allie Kubek

Jaime Lowell

Men's Soccer • Sociology

I am very grateful for the time I have spent at the University of Maryland. I was not sure what to expect when I started my collegiate journey, however, I can say without a doubt these have been some of the best years of my life. Over my four years at UMD, I not only developed skills to better my future but also became a part of the Maryland men’s soccer family. I will not take these four years for granted and am extremely grateful to those who made it possible and helped me along the way. Go Terps!
Jaime Lowell

Alyssa Mazzone

Cheerleading • Computer Science and Immersive Media Design

Being a student-athlete at the University of Maryland has been an honor for the past four years. Not only have I learned so much about myself, but I have also learned what it means to be a role model, a mentor, and a teammate. I think what makes Maryland Cheerleading so special is that we have worked for absolutely everything. The drive this program has is unmatched, and I was so lucky to be a small part of leading that. Being a student-athlete at this university has helped me to grow in my confidence, and I’m so excited for my next chapter. Thank you for four years filled with hard work and valuable lessons. Forever a Terp!
Ashley Mazzone

Jack McDonald

Men's Lacrosse • Communication

I am so grateful for my time here at the University of Maryland and I am so proud that I can call myself a graduate from this prestigious university. I was able to meet such amazing people and make memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. Playing lacrosse at Maryland was a dream for myself growing up and being able to live it has been nothing short of incredible. Forever a Terp!
Jack McDonald

Jaeda McFarland

Softball • Master of Accounting

I’m blessed and honored to have spent my career at Maryland. Not only is it a prestigious academic institution, but it is full of people who care about the experience of student-athletes. I’m grateful to have earned two degrees while being supported academically and challenged to reach new athletic capabilities.
Jaeda McFarland

Megan Mikami

Softball • Marketing

Being able to represent the state of Maryland was a dream come true that I could’ve never fathomed as a California girl. There is something unique about this state, it’s the people and the university. I couldn’t be more grateful for the resources Maryland gave me to grow as a scholar, an athlete, and a human. Maryland became a home away from home, and I will forever cherish my time wearing the red, black, and gold.
Megan Mikami

Minorka Miranda

Tennis • Family Science

Being able to represent Maryland for the last four years will always be one of my greatest honors. Words can’t describe how grateful I feel to have been surrounded by my amazing coaches, teammates, and supporting staff. Through all the highs and lows, I have received unconditional support, and the relationships and friendships I’ve built are something that I will forever cherish. Thank you Maryland for shaping me into the person and athlete that I am today.
Minorka Miranda

Kristina Natale

Cheerleading • Supply Chain Management

My time as a student-athlete has been nothing short of incredible. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to not only do the sport I love at the collegiate level but to also represent my school and act as a role model for other young female athletes across the country. The skills I have learned, the people I have met, and the experiences I have lived as a student-athlete have allowed me to gain valuable skills that I will be able to take with me into my next chapter. I am proud of fulfilling my commitment to achieve Maryland’s standards of excellence, both athletically and academically. Go Terps!
Kristina Natale

Emma Orange

Cheerleading • Finance

Having the opportunity to be a student-athlete at the University of Maryland has shaped my college experience. The skills I have learned from both academics and athletics will be carried with me long after graduation. I am incredibly grateful to the coaching staff and my teammates for shaping me into the person I am today. It has been an honor to represent my school and act as a role model to the young Terps sitting in the stands. I am blessed to have had this experience and will remember it for the rest of life. Let’s go Terps!
Emma Orange

Tayler Osterhout

Gymnastics • Kinesiology

My four years at Maryland have been filled with nothing but the greatest memories, opportunities, and friends. I will look back on both my athletic and academic career with fondness and appreciation, and forever be thankful for who I met on my journey. Thank you UMD for the best four years of my life and I will be proud to call College Park my second home forever.
Tayler Osterhout

Logan Ott

Baseball • Human Development

Earning my degree from the University of Maryland is a proud accomplishment. It allowed me to compete at a high level while getting a top-notch education from a prestigious university. The experiences, lessons, and bonds I formed at Maryland have shaped me into the person I am today and will forever be a source of Terrapin pride.
Logan Ott

Nick Redd

Men's Lacrosse • Communication

Looking back, I could not be more grateful and thankful for what this university and lacrosse program has done for me. These past four years I have been able to make memories on and off the field that will last a lifetime. I am truly thankful for Maryland, my teammates, and the opportunity to represent this special place. Be the Best!
Nick Redd

Anastasia Russ

Volleyball - Biological Sciences

Choosing to continue my athletic and academic career at Maryland was the best decision of my life. The people here created a sense of family away from home. I have grown in all areas of my life through the support of this university. I am forever grateful for each and every Terp that I met throughout my college experience.
Anastasia Russ

Donta Scott

Men's Basketball • Family Science

It’s an honor to get my degree from such a prestigious University. One of the best things is the happiness that it brings my mother to see me graduate. It's special for me as well to be able to get a degree from a place that I can call home. There are so many people that I can call family and friends after my time at Maryland.
Donta Scott

Ryan Siracusa

Men's Lacrosse • Master of Management Studies

The University of Maryland has changed my life forever and will hold a very special place in my heart. The lacrosse program here has taught me so many life lessons and I thank my coaches, staff, teammates, and alumni for that. My five years have been a special journey full of ups and downs. I will always be a Terp and can’t wait to watch what this program does for others in the future. Thank you!
Ryan Siracusa

Shannon Smith

Women's Lacrosse • Kinesiology

Throughout my time at Maryland, I have fallen in love with being a Terp. The University of Maryland has provided me with the most memorable years of my life. I will forever be grateful for the friendships and memories that UMD has provided. Being a part of the women’s lacrosse team is truly something special. The culture of the program supports each other and is family. Becoming a terp will always be one of the best decisions of my life!
Shannon Smith

Maura Verleg

Field Hockey - Criminology & Criminal Justice

Coming to Maryland has given me the opportunity to compete on a high level and experience something I wouldn’t have been able to if I didn’t come here. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a special program and I am leaving as a better person who is confident in their abilities and ready to take on the next step in life!
Maura Verleg

Olivia Weir

Gymnastics • Kinesiology

Becoming a student-athlete at the University of Maryland fulfilled every dream I ever had. These past four years competing for the University of Maryland will forever hold a special place in my heart. From the teammates and coaches who became family, to the countless opportunities this prestigious university and sport provided me, I’m so grateful for it all. Maryland has truly shaped me into the best version of myself.
Olivia Weir

Diamond Williams

Softball • Master of Management Studies

I am truly happy I received my master’s from Maryland. The opportunities this school gave me were amazing and I will be forever grateful. And most importantly, I am truly blessed for all those who supported me along my journey and I’m so happy to begin the next chapter.
Diamond Williams

Courtney Wyche

Softball • Master of Management Studies

It started with committing my freshman year of high school and it ended with earning two degrees. Coming into college, I was just a smart, hard-working, hometown softball player who had no idea of her purpose. Leaving college, I am a strong, dedicated Entrepreneur, Coach, Leader, and Woman who is driven by her purpose to inspire others and achieve her dreams! It’s a blessing that I was able to represent the University of Maryland and my home state proudly!
Courtney Wyche

Jahmir Young

Men's Basketball • Sociology

I am extremely grateful for my time at Maryland. Being able to earn a degree from my home state school is a blessing. To have the opportunity to come home and play here and be a part of Maryland’s legacy means a lot to me.
Jahmir Young

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