M Club Announces 2024 Rodman Postgraduate Scholarships
5/21/2024 5:00:00 AM | Baseball, Field Hockey, Softball, Track & Field, Women's Cross Country, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer, Women's Tennis, Gymnastics, M Club
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Eleven Terrapins have been awarded M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarships in 2024. The M Club awards $5,000 scholarships yearly to former student-athletes looking to continue their education post-graduation.
This year's recipients are: Maria Budin (Tennis '24), Kyle Convissar (Baseball '14), Bibi Donraadt (Field Hockey '22), Katie Ericson (Cross Country/Track & Field '24), Madison Hine (Women's Lacrosse '21), Sophia LeBlanc (Gymnastics '23), Taylor Liguori (Softball '23) Sami Main (Softball '19), Catie May (Women's Lacrosse '21), Libby May (Women's Lacrosse '24) and Madison Oracion (Women's Soccer '22).
These former student-athletes have demonstrated excellence in athletics and academics at the University of Maryland. They received at least one varsity letter from the university and have earned, or will earn by May 2024, a bachelor's degree from the university. They must not be an active member of a college athletics roster for the 2024-25 academic year. They must have applied to (or enrolled in) a graduate program in an accredited institution for the purpose of pursuing an advanced degree.
"The M Club is proud to award $55,000 in postgraduate scholarship support to these deserving former student-athletes, the most we've ever been able to grant!" Said Executive Director of the M Club and Associate Director of Development Laura Chiriaco. "Since it was established in 2006 through the generosity of former Terps boxer, Leonard Rodman, the postgraduate scholarship program has continued to grow and help more and more Maryland athletes pursue their goals of earning advanced degrees. This program is the embodiment of our mission of Athletes Helping Athletes, and I know each and every one of this year's remarkable recipients will continue to make us proud. Thank you to our selection committee and to our committee chair, Marjorie Baker, for their excellent work in selecting this year's winners among the most impressive applicant pool I've ever seen, and congratulations to all of our recipients!"
"The M Club is thrilled to offer the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarships to eleven outstanding recipients representing eight different sports this year," said Marjorie Bollinger Baker (Cross-Country/Track & Field '02), chair of the selection committee. "This year's winners have emphasized how their experiences as University of Maryland student-athletes have ingrained in them a lasting sense of being part of the Terp family. Many of the applicants are already enrolled in their postgraduate programs and have reached out to the M Club, highlighting their recognition of the enduring support the University and the M Club provide beyond graduation and competition. Our selection committee was particularly impressed by how all of the recipients demonstrated a profound commitment to our mission of 'Athletes Helping Athletes' and we are incredibly proud to support these Terps in this next chapter of their lives. Congratulations to our 2024 M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship recipients!"
This year's recipients are: Maria Budin (Tennis '24), Kyle Convissar (Baseball '14), Bibi Donraadt (Field Hockey '22), Katie Ericson (Cross Country/Track & Field '24), Madison Hine (Women's Lacrosse '21), Sophia LeBlanc (Gymnastics '23), Taylor Liguori (Softball '23) Sami Main (Softball '19), Catie May (Women's Lacrosse '21), Libby May (Women's Lacrosse '24) and Madison Oracion (Women's Soccer '22).
These former student-athletes have demonstrated excellence in athletics and academics at the University of Maryland. They received at least one varsity letter from the university and have earned, or will earn by May 2024, a bachelor's degree from the university. They must not be an active member of a college athletics roster for the 2024-25 academic year. They must have applied to (or enrolled in) a graduate program in an accredited institution for the purpose of pursuing an advanced degree.
"The M Club is proud to award $55,000 in postgraduate scholarship support to these deserving former student-athletes, the most we've ever been able to grant!" Said Executive Director of the M Club and Associate Director of Development Laura Chiriaco. "Since it was established in 2006 through the generosity of former Terps boxer, Leonard Rodman, the postgraduate scholarship program has continued to grow and help more and more Maryland athletes pursue their goals of earning advanced degrees. This program is the embodiment of our mission of Athletes Helping Athletes, and I know each and every one of this year's remarkable recipients will continue to make us proud. Thank you to our selection committee and to our committee chair, Marjorie Baker, for their excellent work in selecting this year's winners among the most impressive applicant pool I've ever seen, and congratulations to all of our recipients!"
"The M Club is thrilled to offer the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarships to eleven outstanding recipients representing eight different sports this year," said Marjorie Bollinger Baker (Cross-Country/Track & Field '02), chair of the selection committee. "This year's winners have emphasized how their experiences as University of Maryland student-athletes have ingrained in them a lasting sense of being part of the Terp family. Many of the applicants are already enrolled in their postgraduate programs and have reached out to the M Club, highlighting their recognition of the enduring support the University and the M Club provide beyond graduation and competition. Our selection committee was particularly impressed by how all of the recipients demonstrated a profound commitment to our mission of 'Athletes Helping Athletes' and we are incredibly proud to support these Terps in this next chapter of their lives. Congratulations to our 2024 M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship recipients!"
Budin, a native of Bristol in the United Kingdom, played tennis for the Terrapins in 2023-24, finishing with a 22-10 overall record in doubles and 16-11 in singles. She earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Rice University in 2023, where she played four seasons of tennis with Owls. She was an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Rice International Owls organization. She was an ITA Scholar Athlete on four occasions and named to the Conference USA All-Academic Team twice. She is pursuing a Masters of Professional Studies graduate degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Maryland.
"It is a huge honor to receive the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said Budin. "I am extremely thankful to the M Club for offering their support and for the lifelong family they foster for the Terps. This scholarship will aid me through the final stages of my Masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and help me succeed in my future endeavors."
"It is a huge honor to receive the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said Budin. "I am extremely thankful to the M Club for offering their support and for the lifelong family they foster for the Terps. This scholarship will aid me through the final stages of my Masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and help me succeed in my future endeavors."
Convissar, a native of Severna Park, Maryland, currently lives in San Juan Capistrano, California. He was a four-year letterman for the Terrapin baseball team from 2011-14. He was an Academic All-ACC honoree and Capital One Academic All-District selection with the Terps while playing 181 career games. Convissar graduated from Maryland in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in finance. He was accepted into the Yale School of Management and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration starting in the fall of 2024.
"I am honored to receive the Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship and grateful for the M Club's support as I pursue my MBA," said Convissar. "The encouragement from my fellow alumni reinforces my decision to continue my education and take these important next steps in my career. Playing baseball and graduating from the University of Maryland has had an immensely positive impact on my life's journey. Maryland's lessons of fearlessness, tenacity, and teamwork are all aspects I will bring with me to the Yale School of Management and why I continue to be a proud TERP."
"I am honored to receive the Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship and grateful for the M Club's support as I pursue my MBA," said Convissar. "The encouragement from my fellow alumni reinforces my decision to continue my education and take these important next steps in my career. Playing baseball and graduating from the University of Maryland has had an immensely positive impact on my life's journey. Maryland's lessons of fearlessness, tenacity, and teamwork are all aspects I will bring with me to the Yale School of Management and why I continue to be a proud TERP."
Donraadt is a native of Rotterdam, Netherlands, and starred for the Maryland field hockey program from 2018-22. She earned numerous accolades with the Terps, including Big Ten Freshman of the Year, NFHCA Mid-Atlantic Region First-Team honors twice, All-Big Ten Second Team in 2020 and NCAA All-Tournament Team in 2018 and 2021. She was also selected for the NFHCA Senior All-Star Game after playing with the Terps. Donraadt was involved in Maryland Made's Gossett Fellows, World Wide Terps and Pre-Health Terps. She was accepted into Maastricht University Medical School in the Netherlands and is pursuing a medical and clinical research graduate degree.
"I am profoundly honored to receive the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said Donraadt. "The ambitious environment of Maryland athletics taught me valuable lessons in discipline, leadership and resilience. These experiences are now fundamental as I navigate the challenges of combining medical school with professional field hockey. Programs such as the Gossett Fellows, World Wide Terps and Pre-Health Terps were instrumental in my journey, enriching my college experience and playing a crucial role in my acceptance into medical school. The unwavering support from the M Club and the Terp community continues to inspire me as I advance in my medical studies at Maastricht University in the Netherlands while also playing in the prestigious Hoofdklasse. This scholarship enables me to devote my full attention to these two passions, enhancing my ability to contribute meaningfully to both fields. With a deep commitment to becoming a doctor, my goal is to provide healthcare and aid to communities around the world. I am immensely grateful for the M Club's enduring support and commitment to helping graduates achieve their dreams and make a significant impact globally."
"I am profoundly honored to receive the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said Donraadt. "The ambitious environment of Maryland athletics taught me valuable lessons in discipline, leadership and resilience. These experiences are now fundamental as I navigate the challenges of combining medical school with professional field hockey. Programs such as the Gossett Fellows, World Wide Terps and Pre-Health Terps were instrumental in my journey, enriching my college experience and playing a crucial role in my acceptance into medical school. The unwavering support from the M Club and the Terp community continues to inspire me as I advance in my medical studies at Maastricht University in the Netherlands while also playing in the prestigious Hoofdklasse. This scholarship enables me to devote my full attention to these two passions, enhancing my ability to contribute meaningfully to both fields. With a deep commitment to becoming a doctor, my goal is to provide healthcare and aid to communities around the world. I am immensely grateful for the M Club's enduring support and commitment to helping graduates achieve their dreams and make a significant impact globally."
Ericson is a native of Annapolis, Maryland, who competed in the track and field and cross country programs at Maryland from 2020-24. She will graduate with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 2024. Ericson has been the Vice President of the Maryland Student-Athlete Advisory Council since 2022. She is also a Gossett Fellow and serves as the Director of Wellness for the SAAC. She was accepted into graduate school at Northwestern University, where she is pursuing a degree in prosthetics and orthotics.
"I am very grateful to have received the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said Ericson. It is an honor to receive it, and it will be a great help for me financially. I am very thankful to know that I have a multitude of support behind me as I begin my postgraduate studies at Northwestern University in prosthetics and orthotics."
"I am very grateful to have received the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said Ericson. It is an honor to receive it, and it will be a great help for me financially. I am very thankful to know that I have a multitude of support behind me as I begin my postgraduate studies at Northwestern University in prosthetics and orthotics."
Hine, a native of Phoenix, Maryland, competed with the Maryland women's lacrosse team from 2018-21, winning a National Championship in 2019. She was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection with the Terps, a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and a Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree. She graduated with a bachelor's in criminal justice and criminology in 2021. She was accepted into the University of Baltimore Law School to pursue a juris doctor degree.
"It is such an honor to be awarded the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship. This scholarship will provide me with the financial support that will allow me to focus solely on my studies. Not only has being a student-athlete at Maryland helped to shape my personal life, but the M Club and Maryland athletics continue to help me grow in my professional life. It is an honor to be recognized for my academic success and dedication by the M club, and I cannot thank them enough for choosing me as one of the recipients. I am truly grateful to call myself a Terp, and I cannot wait to be able to contribute to the greater Baltimore legal community in just a few short years."
"It is such an honor to be awarded the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship. This scholarship will provide me with the financial support that will allow me to focus solely on my studies. Not only has being a student-athlete at Maryland helped to shape my personal life, but the M Club and Maryland athletics continue to help me grow in my professional life. It is an honor to be recognized for my academic success and dedication by the M club, and I cannot thank them enough for choosing me as one of the recipients. I am truly grateful to call myself a Terp, and I cannot wait to be able to contribute to the greater Baltimore legal community in just a few short years."
LeBlanc, a native of Waltham, Massachusetts, competed on the Maryland gymnastics team from 2019-23. She was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, two-time WCGA Scholastic All-American and awarded the 2023 Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarship. LeBlanc was a vital part of the campus community throughout her time in College Park, serving as a Team Impact Fellow and a member of the Maryland Made Mentorship and Leadership Educational Programs. She is pursuing a Master of Athletic Counseling at Springfield College in Massachusetts.
"I am so thankful and honored to have received the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said LeBlanc. "It will help cover some of the financial costs of graduate school while I can focus more on pursuing my dreams of becoming a sports psychologist. In the future, I would love to help other athletes similarly to how I was helped at Maryland. Getting my master's degree in clinical mental health/athletic counseling will get me a step closer to doing this. I could not be more thankful for everything the M-Club does to support Maryland athletes like myself, and I am so grateful to be a Terp Alumni!"
"I am so thankful and honored to have received the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said LeBlanc. "It will help cover some of the financial costs of graduate school while I can focus more on pursuing my dreams of becoming a sports psychologist. In the future, I would love to help other athletes similarly to how I was helped at Maryland. Getting my master's degree in clinical mental health/athletic counseling will get me a step closer to doing this. I could not be more thankful for everything the M-Club does to support Maryland athletes like myself, and I am so grateful to be a Terp Alumni!"
A native of Columbia, Maryland, Liguori played 136 games with the Maryland softball program from 2020-23. She graduated from Maryland with a degree in communication and a minor in leadership in 2023. With the Terps, she was an executive on the Maryland Student-Athlete Advisory, a Maryland Made Leadership Academy member, a Gossett Fellow, a student-athlete mentor focusing on mental health and the Student Leadership Cadre President. She was accepted into Maryland's Master of Management program.
"Being chosen as a recipient of the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship means the world to me," said Liguori. "Being a part of the University of Maryland athletic community provided me with opportunities for which I am ever grateful. Wearing Maryland across my chest and representing my home state on the field of play was a dream come true. I was so fortunate for the guidance of the athletic administration and alumni throughout my time as an undergraduate, and this scholarship will allow me to attend the University of Maryland for my graduate work with the hopes of one day being able to return to a campus that will ever hold a place in my heart. Athletics and the M Club taught me about leadership, commitment, and integrity, and I left Maryland a better person because of it. I am honored by the scholarship, proud to be an alumni, and a Terp for life."
"Being chosen as a recipient of the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship means the world to me," said Liguori. "Being a part of the University of Maryland athletic community provided me with opportunities for which I am ever grateful. Wearing Maryland across my chest and representing my home state on the field of play was a dream come true. I was so fortunate for the guidance of the athletic administration and alumni throughout my time as an undergraduate, and this scholarship will allow me to attend the University of Maryland for my graduate work with the hopes of one day being able to return to a campus that will ever hold a place in my heart. Athletics and the M Club taught me about leadership, commitment, and integrity, and I left Maryland a better person because of it. I am honored by the scholarship, proud to be an alumni, and a Terp for life."
A native of Frederick, Maryland, Sami Main pitched 56 games with the Terps' softball program from 2016-19. She was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. She was a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member and participated in various other extracurricular activities with the Terps. She participated in many service initiatives, such as Terps Against Hunger, Terpsgiving at Baltimore Amazing Grace Church, Adopt a Family and Shawne Merriman Coat Drive. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology at Maryland in 2019. She is currently enrolled in the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and is pursuing a doctorate in osteopathic medicine.
"To receive the M Club Postgraduate Scholarship once is a great honor," said Main. "Thus, I was tentative to reapply. But when Drew sent out the application and encouraged past recipients, I decided with the accruing debt of medical school, it could not hurt. I am so grateful for the continued support of the M Club, especially with the amount of quality student-athlete graduates pursuing professional school/master's programs. Maryland constantly supports us, even as alumni, and I could not be prouder to be a Terrapin. I cannot wait for the day that I can assist in providing the next generation with the same opportunities that the M Club continues to provide me. I am the first in my family to pursue medicine, and I attribute this in large part to the University of Maryland. So, thank you!! I sincerely could not be more thrilled."
"To receive the M Club Postgraduate Scholarship once is a great honor," said Main. "Thus, I was tentative to reapply. But when Drew sent out the application and encouraged past recipients, I decided with the accruing debt of medical school, it could not hurt. I am so grateful for the continued support of the M Club, especially with the amount of quality student-athlete graduates pursuing professional school/master's programs. Maryland constantly supports us, even as alumni, and I could not be prouder to be a Terrapin. I cannot wait for the day that I can assist in providing the next generation with the same opportunities that the M Club continues to provide me. I am the first in my family to pursue medicine, and I attribute this in large part to the University of Maryland. So, thank you!! I sincerely could not be more thrilled."
Catie May is a native of Sparks, Maryland, who played lacrosse at Maryland from 2018-21. She appeared in 61 games, scoring 39 goals and recording 46 assists for 85 points. She was a part of the 2019 National Championship team and helped lead Maryland to the 2018 and 2019 Big Ten Championships. She was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. She was active in Maryland Made with Pre-Health Terps and served as her team's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative. May graduated from Maryland with a bachelor's degree in public health science in 2021. She is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree at Baltimore's University of Maryland School of Medicine.
"It is an honor to be selected as a M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship recipient," said May. "The unwavering support I received at Maryland allowed me to pursue a career in medicine while playing the sport I love. I am incredibly thankful for the M Club for continuing to support my dream of becoming a physician and I hope to one day pay it forward to future Terps!"
"It is an honor to be selected as a M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship recipient," said May. "The unwavering support I received at Maryland allowed me to pursue a career in medicine while playing the sport I love. I am incredibly thankful for the M Club for continuing to support my dream of becoming a physician and I hope to one day pay it forward to future Terps!"
A native of Sparks, Maryland, Libby May has played lacrosse at Maryland from 2020-24, recording 195 career goals and 234 career points to rank among the all-time leaders in program history. She has been named an All-American and a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection on three occasions. She won the 2022 Big Ten Championship and earned IWLCA All-Region and All-Big Ten Tournament team honors. She's an active member of Maryland Made and a student-athlete Mental Health Mentor. She also served as President of Pre-Health Terps from 2021-23. May earned her bachelor's degree in public health science in 2023 and will earn a bachelor's in French language and literature in 2024. She was accepted into the Boston University Physician Assistant Program and is pursuing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies.
"I am extremely grateful and honored to be awarded the 2024 M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said May. "The M Club is an incredible organization that provides its student-athletes with mentorship, career guidance, and professional development opportunities. This scholarship will help me to pursue a career as a physician assistant as I attend Boston University's PA program this fall."
"I am extremely grateful and honored to be awarded the 2024 M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said May. "The M Club is an incredible organization that provides its student-athletes with mentorship, career guidance, and professional development opportunities. This scholarship will help me to pursue a career as a physician assistant as I attend Boston University's PA program this fall."
A native of Cornelius, North Carolina, Madison Oracion was a member of the Maryland women's soccer program from 2018-21. She earned multiple Academic All-Big Ten honors while serving as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and being a Gossett Fellow. Oracion graduated with a bachelor's in economics and a minor in mathematics. She is pursuing a Master of Science in business analytics with a finance concentration at the University of Maryland.
"I am honored to be a recipient of the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said Oracion. "This opportunity serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the M Club in supporting the academic pursuits of former Maryland student-athletes. As I continue on the challenging yet exciting path of pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics, the financial support provided by this scholarship helps alleviate my financial burden, allowing me to concentrate more fully on my studies. I am grateful for this opportunity and eagerly anticipate the future accomplishments of my fellow recipients and myself."
"I am honored to be a recipient of the M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship," said Oracion. "This opportunity serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the M Club in supporting the academic pursuits of former Maryland student-athletes. As I continue on the challenging yet exciting path of pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics, the financial support provided by this scholarship helps alleviate my financial burden, allowing me to concentrate more fully on my studies. I am grateful for this opportunity and eagerly anticipate the future accomplishments of my fellow recipients and myself."
The M Club Rodman Postgraduate Scholarship was established in 2006 with a $260K gift in the form of a life insurance policy for Leonard Rodman, a former Maryland Boxer and graduate of the class of 1943. Since his death, Rodman's endowment has allowed the M Club to award nearly $250,000 in postgraduate scholarship support to 46 Maryland student-athletes to continue their education. In 2012, Rodman was inducted into the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame posthumously for meritorious service in recognition of his lifelong commitment to Maryland student-athletes. Rodman's son, Roy, and grandson, Nolan, now continue his legacy of Athletes Helping Athletes through their ongoing generous support of the M Club and Maryland Athletics.
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