Maryland Athletics and Athletes Honor Veterans During Military Appreciation Month

Maryland Athletics recognizes November as Military Appreciation Month, and with many current Terps having military ties, athletes and coaches took time to reflect on what military appreciation means to them and their gratitude toward veterans. 

“Military Appreciation Month holds deep personal meaning for me,” said Jim Smith, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. “My father served in the Navy during World War II, and the values he instilled in me - duty, integrity, and perseverance. As we honor our veterans and their families, I’m incredibly proud of how our Maryland student-athletes and coaches embrace this month with genuine gratitude and respect. To all who have served, thank you for your sacrifice, your service, and the freedoms you defend.”

From honoring veterans at sporting events to sharing their stories with others, each Maryland program is finding ways to honor the brave men and women to protect their freedoms each and every day. 

“It means a lot to all of us,” women’s basketball freshman Addi Mack said. “My grandpas were both in the military and a lot of the girls on the team have relatives who are veterans, as well. It’s a very important month for us and something that’s very important within our program. 

Women’s basketball head coach Brenda Frese’s father, Bill, served in the Air Force and in the Korean war. Bill passed in 2022, but Frese makes sure her teams know the value of veterans' sacrifices and the importance of November. 

“It’s really important,” Frese said. “My dad served in the Korean war. I know so many stories of what he endured during his time. It means so much to all of our veterans who fought for our country and our freedom. I love the fact that we have a month where we’re celebrating them.  We should be celebrating them every single day.”

Bill Frese, father of Maryland women's basketball head coach Brenda Frese

Softball’s Bri Godfrey has military connections in just about every aspect of her life. Being surrounded by veterans helped shape who she is, how hard she works, and how she interacts with others.

“Growing up in a family with such a strong military background has definitely shaped who I am,” Godfrey said. “My grandfather served in the Army and fought in the Korean War, and I had two great-grandfathers who served — one in the Navy and the other in the Air Force. Hearing about what they went through gave me a deep respect for service, sacrifice, and staying tough through hard situations. Now, with family still actively serving—my uncle, a highly decorated Marine; two cousins currently in the Navy; another cousin becoming an active-duty Marine this spring; and my boyfriend at the Naval Academy — the military is woven into nearly every part of my life. Being surrounded by that level of commitment has really influenced the way I approach school, softball, and life in general. It keeps me grounded, disciplined, and grateful for what I have.”

“Because of that, Military Appreciation Month feels especially meaningful to me,” Godfrey said. “The message I want to send to veterans is simply thank you. Growing up around so many people who’ve served — and having an uncle who is still actively serving as a Colonel with two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star — has shown me just how much goes into protecting our country. Even though I don’t get to see him as much as I used to, he continues to push me to be great in everything I do. He’s the reason I write ‘Breath Fire’ on my glove, as a reminder to stay fearless, compete with intensity, and never back down from a challenge. To all veterans: thank you for your service, your strength, and the sacrifices you and your families make. Your courage and sacrifice leave a lasting impact on so many people, and we are incredibly grateful!”

Football head coach Michael Locksley spent stints at both Army and Naval Academy Preparatory School prior to his tenure at Maryland. On Saturday, the football team will honor veterans and active military members with its annual recognition game. 

“It’s our Military Appreciation Game, which is something that’s big in this area,” Locksley said. “The impact that the military has had in this area is huge. As someone who’s worked at a military academy, this is something that’s important, especially knowing and seeing the guys that I had the chance to coach that are now out leading our military.”

Men’s basketball’s Collin Metcalf grew up in a military family, moving all over the world during his childhood. Maryland honored veterans during its win over Alcorn State on Veterans Day earlier in November. 

“I have a lot of gratitude,” Metcalf said. “In the schools I was in, the teachers were veterans, the coaches were veterans. You heard their war stories from Iraq and Vietnam. Hearing stories where people put their lives on the line for our freedom, when you hear that from a veteran themselves, it just deepens your appreciation. The whole community is just about creating leadership and following examples. The community was always trying to build better people and being hands-on and helping others.”

John Martin Best, a Maryland wrestler, also grew up in a military family. His father, Martin, was a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force prior to his retirement. 

"Growing up with my Dad in the Air Force really gave me a sense of appreciation for how much they go through,” Best said. “He traveled the globe to where he was needed, and made sure his people overseas were always taken care of. Listening to him talk about it, reminds me that regardless of where you’re at, always look after the person next to you."

Ryan Reynolds is looking forward to her upcoming season with Maryland women’s lacrosse, but makes sure to take time in November to appreciate those fighting for her freedom. Her family history is filled with heroes, even as recently as her brother Casey, who played both football and lacrosse at Army from 2021-2024.

“Both of my Grandpas and my Uncle are military veterans, and my brother and cousin are currently serving,” Reynolds said. “Hearing their stories and living alongside my brother has given me a deep appreciation for everything they do for us. Seeing their sacrifices firsthand, the time away from home, the challenges they face, and the weight they carry has helped me truly understand what serving really means.”

Maryland will honor veterans and active military members at Saturday’s football game, but the Terps’ appreciation for those who serve and protect their freedoms — both home and abroad — will continue, not just through the end of the month, but every day.