Playing For The State: Local Talent Takes Pride In Maryland Women’s Soccer

Maryland natives speak of what it means to stay home and play for the Terps.

Brady Ruth, Staff Writer

10/14/2026

Maryland Women's Soccer Pride Feature Graphic

For eight members of Maryland women’s soccer, playing for the Terps means representing more than just the university.

It means representing home.

The state has a rich soccer tradition, and Maryland’s 2026 roster reflects the talent growing in its own backyard. From players nearing the end of their collegiate careers to those just beginning them, eight Terps hail from the Old Line State, sharing a connection that extends beyond the pitch.

“As we continue to build Terps Women’s Soccer, we want the DMV to be part of our DNA,” head coach Michael Marchiano said. “It is a hotbed for soccer talent, and being able to bring top local players into our program is something we take a lot of pride in. Having grown up in Maryland and experienced firsthand what it means to represent the University of Maryland as a student-athlete, I know how special that opportunity can be. There’s something unique about playing close to home and having your family, friends, and community there to share in the journey. Our staff also shares those connections to the university and the state, which makes it even more meaningful.”

Their paths at Maryland may look different, but they share a common thread: a love for their home state, the program they represent and the game that brought them here.

Peyton Bernard (Sr.)

Rockville, MD / Our Lady of Good Counsel

Looking back on my time at Maryland, I am so proud of myself and my decision to play for my home state and stay in Maryland. I have grown in ways that I never imagined with the support of my family and friends. Growing up in the DMV has been a blessing in so many ways and I’m glad that I continued to learn and grow here throughout my collegiate career. I hope that the next generation of soccer players at Maryland chooses to stay home and know that they are capable of achieving anything that they put their minds to. No dream is too big with the right amount of belief, confidence, and faith in yourself.

Peyton Bernard

Drew Bernard (R-Jr.)

Rockville, MD / Our Lady of Good Counsel

Looking back on my time at Maryland, it means everything to me to have had the opportunity to represent my home state. Growing up in Maryland and then being able to wear Maryland across my chest at the collegiate level is something I will always be proud of. My journey hasn't always been easy, but every challenge, lesson, and memory has helped shape me into the player and person I am today. I hope the next generation of Maryland soccer players sees that it's possible to achieve their dreams while representing where they come from. I want young girls growing up in Maryland to know that with hard work, dedication, and belief in themselves, they can be in this same position one day. More than anything, I hope I've made my home state proud.

Drew Bernard

Gemma Davitian (R-So.)

Bethesda, MD / Walt Whitman

After playing here for two years and growing up in Maryland, I think it’s something that’s extra special that not everyone gets to experience. Being able to play in front of my family, friends, and previous coaches is something that doesn’t compare to anything else. Wearing the Maryland jersey and being from here gives me a strong sense of pride as I represent the community that shaped me into the player and person I am today. I also feel so lucky and fortunate to share with all my teammates a part of my home and where I grew up away from school, which is extra special. Playing for Maryland has made me appreciate my home state more than I could imagine and given me an extra reason to be proud of where I’m from. Go Terps!

Gemma Davitian

Mckinley Heaven (So.)

Rockville, MD / Richard Montgomery

After playing in this program for a year, putting on a Maryland jersey still means so much to me. Being able to represent my home state is something I feel so lucky to do and I know it will continue to drive me in the years to come. Some of my teammates are people that I grew up playing with and against, which makes being a part of this team even more special and shows how much talent comes out of this area. I love how close-knit our team is and being able to represent Maryland allows me to be part of something bigger than myself.

Mckinley Heaven

Morgan Shannon (Fr.)

Olney, MD / Our Lady of Good Counsel

As someone who grew up in Maryland, it means everything to me to have the opportunity to represent my home state at the collegiate level and wear the Maryland jersey. Being part of this team means more than competing on the field, it is a chance to honor my family, my community, and everyone who has supported me throughout my life and my soccer journey. Every time I wear my state’s name, I am reminded of the people who have helped me get to where I am today and the pride I feel in representing them. It is a privilege to play the sport I love at the highest level while representing the state I call home.

Morgan Shannon

Greyson Tischer (Fr.)

Towson, MD / Notre Dame Prep

As someone who grew up in Maryland, I have an immense amount of pride and passion to be able to represent my home state at the collegiate level. It means so much to me to be able to wear the Maryland jersey and remember how my home state, friends, and family have shaped me into the person and athlete I am today. It makes the experience extremely special knowing that I can play college soccer so close to home and where my soccer journey began. It is amazing knowing that the name on my jersey represents my life right now and also my entire background that allowed me to get here.

Greyson Tischer

Daryn Barnes (Fr.)

Baltimore, MD / Friends School of Baltimore

As someone who grew up in Maryland, being able to wear the Maryland jersey means so much to me. I’m not only representing my home state, but I’m representing my family and everyone who has helped me get here. I also play for the people who never got the opportunity to play at this level. Knowing that there are people who would give anything to be in my position motivates me to never take a moment for granted. Every time I step on the field, I’m playing for something bigger than myself. I’m playing for the people who can’t, for the people who believe in me, and for everyone who helped me get here.

Daryn Barnes