Maryland Made Spotlight: Cathy Ward
Hear from one of Maryland Made’s biggest supporters about the impact she makes on student-athletes.
Brady Ruth, Staff Writer
10/20/2026
“One of Maryland Made’s most impactful initiatives is its InTERPship Program. Each summer, Terp student-athletes gain valuable professional experience and pursue their career goals through internships with Maryland partners and supporters.
Cathy Ward, president of Ward & Co Law, has long held a special place in her heart for her alma mater. A 1987 University of Maryland graduate, Ward is now giving back to the next generation of Terps, helping student-athletes prepare for life and careers beyond college.
Over the past two summers, Ward has welcomed four Maryland student-athletes to Ward & Co through the InTERPship Program, and she looks forward to continuing that partnership in the years ahead.
Get to know Ward, her love for Maryland and her passion for supporting the Terps.”
What makes this partnership meaningful or unique?
“This partnership is particularly meaningful to me because I graduated from the University of Maryland’s College Park campus. I appreciate that Maryland Made supports student-athletes by building relationships with employers and mentors who can help them make the most of their limited time outside the substantial demands of school and athletics. The program creates a valuable bridge between the University, its student-athletes, and employers, while also opening students’ eyes to opportunities and career paths they may never have considered.”
How did you first become connected with Maryland Made/Athletics?
“I first became involved after placing an advertisement for legal assistants with the University of Maryland, College Park. Maryland Made reached out to me about this wonderful program, and I was immediately drawn to its commitment to supporting student-athletes’ professional development and preparing them for meaningful opportunities after graduation. That mission strongly aligns with our belief that professional growth is strengthened by mentorship, exposure to real-world work, and trusted relationships.”
Is there a story, moment, or example that captures the value of this work?
“One of my favorite parts of the experience has been sharing Maryland blue crabs with students who have never tried this Maryland delicacy. It is a small but memorable way to welcome them into the community.
We also have group lunches to celebrate birthdays. At one of those lunches, one of our new interns asked everyone to go around the table and share a little about themselves. It was a wonderful idea, and it gave us the opportunity to learn about each other and become closer as a team; it is a practice, learned from our intern, that I plan to continue in the future.
I also value the opportunities our interns have to attend court with our attorneys, observe cases firsthand, and return ready to discuss—and sometimes vigorously debate—whether the judge reached the right result. Those conversations show their curiosity, confidence, and willingness to think critically.
After meeting the students and Maryland Made staff and attending the students’ internship-end presentations, I can say that the students are truly impressive: they bring thoughtful ideas, a broad range of experiences, and a strong sense of purpose. Hearing them reflect on their experiences reinforces that the future is in very capable hands. I am so happy to be part of this program.”
What qualities do student-athletes bring that make them strong future leaders, interns, or professionals?
“Student-athletes are accustomed to managing demanding schedules, accepting coaching, working toward shared goals, and responding constructively when circumstances do not go as planned. They bring focus, discipline, persistence, and a team-first mindset. They are also brave: they step into internships in unfamiliar places and professional environments where it would be easy to feel intimidated, yet they show up ready to learn, contribute, and engage. Those qualities make them well positioned to become dependable colleagues, thoughtful leaders, and successful professionals.”
How do you hope this partnership continues to grow or evolve?
“Although I have been involved with the program for only two years, I hope we continue developing an internship experience that blends real-world professional skills with meaningful exposure to court proceedings and client interactions. That kind of experience helps interns decide whether the legal field is right for them and, if so, which parts of the legal world best fit their interests and strengths. It is just as important to learn what you do not want to do for a living as it is to identify the work you do want to pursue. I also want every intern to know that my support does not end when the internship does: I am available to answer questions and be a resource whenever they need one. The exceptional students I have met deserve that support, and I am confident they will carry it forward to support the next generation. The Maryland Made staff does a wonderful job encouraging students to explore opportunities beyond the paths they may initially have planned for themselves.”
Why should other employers get involved with Maryland Made?
“Other employers should become involved because Maryland Made offers an opportunity not only to invest in talented, motivated students, but also to learn from them. Student-athletes bring meaningful life experiences, fresh ideas, and individual perspectives, while also understanding the value of being part of a team. By partnering with Maryland Made, employers and mentors can offer practical guidance and meaningful opportunities in a way that respects the limited time student-athletes have outside their school and athletic commitments. In return, employers meet students who bring energy, integrity, discipline, and a strong work ethic to the workplace. Just do not take too many of the students interested in law—we need them!”
