2025 Commencement: Terp Reflections
5/19/2025
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 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 graduates.
Brinae Alexander
Women's Basketball - M.P.S. Product Management
Graduating with a master’s degree from UMD means breaking barriers, honoring my family’s journey, and proving that dreams grow stronger with each step forward. As the first in my family to earn a master’s, this isn’t just my achievement, it’s our legacy.
Lindsay Bacheler
Gymnastics - B.S. Kinesiology
The last few years at Maryland have shaped me into a stronger, more confident version of myself. They've taught me how to lead, how to navigate adversity, and how to show up every day with purpose. I’ll forever be grateful for the relationships I’ve built, the memories I’ve made, and the pride that comes with representing something bigger than myself.
Sam Bean
Softball - Master of Management Studies
I am truly blessed for the countless opportunities UMD gave me, both academically and with a family community that felt like a home away from home!
Tasha Brozowski
Gymnastics • B.S. Public Health Science
My time here as a Maryland Terrapin has been nothing short of remarkable. From having the opportunity to be involved in premier career and personal development programs to competing at an NCAA regional, it has been a dream come true and has shaped my leadership, discipline, and skill set. To me, representing this prestigious university has meant that I belong to something so much bigger than myself — an inclusive and accepting community that prioritizes excellence and making a positive impact on others. I am grateful for the unwavering support I have received from the Maryland community these past 4 years. Maryland welcomed me with open arms, and I am excited to extend that heartfelt compassion and care to those around me in my future endeavors. As always, Go Terps!
Colin Burlace
Men's Lacrosse • B.S. Marketing
The opportunity to come to Maryland and represent my home state has been a dream come true. I will always be grateful for the people and the memories that have made my time here so special. The ups and downs of my Maryland journey have taught me lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Forever a Terp. Be The Best!
Nick Cambria
Wrestling - B.S. Finance
The University of Maryland wasn’t just where I went to school, it was a place that shaped me, challenged me, and gave me some of the most unforgettable memories of my life. It gave me friendships, growth, and a sense of pride I’ll carry with me forever.
Jackson Canfield
Men's Lacrosse - M.S. Management Studies
I am grateful to have continued my education and athletic journey at the University of Maryland. I am thankful for all the support from my family, coaches, and staff during my time here. I have made friendships that I will have for the rest of my life, and for that, I am truly grateful. Go Terps!
Sam Csire
Volleyball - B.S. Public Health Practice
Graduating from the University of Maryland means everything to me. I’m incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to represent Maryland on the volleyball court and to be part of a community that pushed me to be my best, both as a student and an athlete. I have made so many friendships & memories that I will hold on to for life. Forever proud to be a Terp!
Francesca Feodorov
Tennis • B.S. Finance
I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities Maryland gave me to grow – for the wins, the losses, and everything this experience taught me. Maryland pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, and being a student-athlete challenged me to grow through both the good and the hard. It wasn’t always easy, but it shaped me into who I am today.
Victoria Gatzendorfer
Gymnastics - B.S. Management
Being a student-athlete at the University of Maryland has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. Competing at a school that excels in both academics and athletics has taught me invaluable lessons in overcoming adversity, time management, resilience, and teamwork, and has surely set me up for life after graduation. Representing the Terps has been an honor that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I'm forever grateful for this journey and everyone I have met at Maryland! Go Terps!
Ethan Gough
Football - B.A. Criminal Justice
Having the opportunity to play for the hometown team and graduate from one of the top public Universities in the country has been nothing short of amazing. Maryland has done a great job of preparing us for life after sport.
Danielle Hack
Tennis - M.S. Management Studies
Reflecting on my time at Maryland, I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had both on and off the court. Being part of the tennis team while pursuing my master’s has been a challenging but rewarding journey. Maryland will always hold a special place in my heart for the opportunities and memories it’s given me, and I’m really proud to be graduating this May with my master’s from such a strong business program. It’s been a journey I won’t forget.
Zoe Huang
Volleyball - B.S. Marketing
Graduating from Maryland means the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one. Whether it be getting my degree or playing volleyball competitively, I am so grateful and happy to have done it here at Maryland.
Josephine Kogler
Gymnastics - B.S. Public Health Sciences
Wearing Maryland across my chest has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. Being a student-athlete here has shaped me in ways I never could’ve imagined, teaching me the value of discipline, resilience, and teamwork - on and off the competition floor. I am forever thankful for my coaches, teammates, and support staff who believed in me and pushed me to be my best every day. As always, go Terps!
Sierra Kondo
Gymnastics - B.A. Human Development
My time at Maryland has been truly unforgettable. I’m incredibly thankful to Terps Gymnastics for giving me my best friends, incredible opportunities and endless memories. I’ve grown in ways I never imagined, and for that, I’ll always be thankful. Maryland will always be home. Forever a Terp!
Halle Johnson
Women's Soccer - B.A. Communication
Transferring to Maryland was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s been an honor to play for my home state and live out a childhood dream. I’ve grown and learned so much here, and I’ve met some of the best people along the way. College Park is special, and I’ll always be proud to be a Terp.
Rhea LeBlanc
Gymnastics - B.A. Communication
Maryland has truly been an incredible experience, one that has shaped me into the person I am today. My time here has taught me more than just hard work, but perseverance, commitment, teamwork, and so much more. This University has prepared me for the rest of my life, both academically and personally. I have been lucky enough to have found a place where I am surrounded by people who constantly push me to become better. I’m so proud and thankful to be a Terp and to have had the opportunity to represent this amazing school. I am filled with nothing but gratitude as I move to the next chapter of my life. Thank you for everything, Maryland.
Kallista Liu
Tennis - B.S. Finance
I will forever be grateful for my time here at Maryland. Being a student-athlete here has taught me many valuable lessons, brought me incredible experiences, and shaped who I am today. Maryland has provided me with so many resources and opportunities, which have allowed me to succeed on and off the court. I am incredibly thankful for everyone who has supported me these past few years, and I am proud to have represented my home school.
Mazie MacFarlane
Softball - M.P.H. Physical Activity
I am forever grateful for my time at UMD! I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and a degree that will help me excel in my future!
Hailey Merchant
Gymnastics - B.S. Psychology
Thank you Terps gymnastics for the constant love and support you have shown me these past couple years and for giving me another opportunity to continue what I love. As my time here at Maryland comes to an end, I look back with so much gratitude and I couldn’t be more thankful to call Maryland a forever home!
Seth Nevills
Wrestling - M.S. Management Studies
Looking back on my time at Maryland, I’m just really grateful for everything it gave me. From the friendships and memories to the challenges that pushed me, this place helped shape who I am today. Being part of the community—both inside and outside the classroom—taught me how to grow, work hard, and stay true to myself. Maryland gave me the space to figure things out, make mistakes, and come out stronger. I’ll definitely miss it, but I’m excited for what’s next.
Alex Nitzl
Men's Soccer - M.S. Information Systems
My time in Maryland hasn‘t been anything short but spectacular. I arrived here to play some soccer and now I‘m leaving with 2 degrees, a new home, lots of loving relationships and more. I couldn’t be happier about how everything turned out because it feels like I became a true Maryland native throughout my time and I am beyond proud to enter the “real world“ as a Maryland soccer Alumni. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my time here and beyond and I can’t wait to meet my Maryland family again soon.
Sam O'Brian
Wrestling - B.A. English
My time at Maryland was rich in family and community. I had an excellent support system in all facets of my athletic experience. Being a Terp is something that I will carry with me into every journey of life, and has supplied me with some of my closest friends, and my most valuable principles.
Hope Rose
Field Hockey • B.A. Criminology
Graduating from Maryland means more than earning a degree—it has allowed me to grow as a person, and it gave me a community behind me that was always there for me and made me push myself to be the best of the best. Once a Terp, always a Terp.
Hailey Russo
Women's Lacrosse • B.S. Public Health Science
Maryland has given truly the best and quickest four years of my life. These friendships will last a lifetime and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience being a part of the team here. I will forever be grateful for the Terps!
Samantha Schnitta
Volleyball • M.S. Management Studies
Graduating from the University of Maryland means the world to me. It wasn’t just a school it was somewhere I got to call home because I found my family and lifelong friends by creating the most unfortunate memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. My journey at Maryland allowed me to heal, grow, and laugh through all of the challenges of college and shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful to be a Terp!
Kevin Schork
Wrestling • Real Estate & Built Enviroment
My time at Maryland was more than just athletics and academics. It was a journey of growth, connections, and support. Being a part of this community made me feel truly valued. I am Grateful for the friendships, mentorships, and memories that will stay with me forever.
Shyanne Sellers
Women’s Basketball - B.A. Communication
In my four years at Maryland, I’ve been pushed and challenged to be the best person and player I can be, all while being supported every step of the way. I’ve met amazing sisters that will be part of my life forever. I am so grateful for all of the support I've received and I'll always be proud to represent our Maryland family.
Kate Sites
Women’s Lacrosse - M.P.S. Science, Technology & Society
Coming to Maryland was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and it’s given me so many opportunities. These years have shaped me, challenged me, and left me with the best memories. I will always be grateful to have been part of the Maryland Women’s Lacrosse team. It’s the people during my time here that made my experience unforgettable. OATAAT!!
Robert Smith
Football • B.S. Family Science
My time at Maryland has been everything that I did not know it would. It has been a place that allowed me to grow, mature, and learn about myself and this amazing world we live in. I will cherish these lessons, relationships, and experiences everywhere I go from now on. Forever a Terp!
Chrissy Thomas
Women's Lacrosse • M.S. Management Studies
Deciding to come to Maryland has been the greatest decision of my life. I have made lifelong friendships and memories that I will carry with me forever. I’m so thankful for every moment I have had as a Terp. This program and experience has shaped me in ways I never could’ve imagined, and I will always cherish my time as a Terp. OATAAT!
Karla Elena Vázquez Setzer
Women's Golf - M.S. Finance
Maryland has shaped me in every way —athletically, academically, and personally —and I’m excited to continue representing the University of Maryland beyond the golf course. As an international student from Mexico, this recognition holds deep meaning. It reflects the values I carry from home and the journey my family and I have taken to get here. I will always carry Maryland pride with me, wherever my journey leads. I’m especially grateful to my family for their unconditional support, to my Coach Kelly G. Hovland for her constant guidance on and off the golf course, and to the M Club for believing in me and supporting my next chapter.
Rayne Wright
Women's Golf - B.A. Communication
The University of Maryland has been much more than a place of learning—it's been a journey through challenges that shaped me. I'm proud not just for myself, but for everyone who believed in me, gave their time, their belief, and their love. This achievement is ours, because I did it with and for them.
