Rooted in a family tradition of military service, Goldberg is pursuing his goals on the mat and beyond.
Brady Ruth, Staff Writer
11/11/2026
Wrestling. Academics. Military service.
Each demands a unique level of commitment, discipline and accountability. For Jared Goldberg, however, those three worlds aren't all that different.
Whether he's competing on the mat, working in the classroom or preparing for a future in the Marine Corps, Goldberg approaches every responsibility with the same mindset: be accountable, work hard and never lose sight of the people around him.
As Maryland Athletics celebrates Veterans Day, the Terps proudly recognize all who have served, continue to serve and are preparing for futures dedicated to protecting others. Goldberg's journey represents one of the many connections between Maryland Athletics and the military community.
I know everyone in our program is so proud of Jared Goldberg and his decision to become an officer in the Marine Corps. Jared is an amazing young man, and everything he balances as a student-athlete while being in ROTC is so unique and hard that sometimes I am blown away by his capacity to make it all look like just another day. When he leaves College Park for active duty, nobody will be more prepared or equipped for whatever lies in front of them. We are lucky to have brave young people like Jared in our country, and I am so thankful for his service and the service of all the amazing people in our armed forces and what they do to protect our freedoms.Alex Clemsen, Maryland wrestling head coach
Goldberg is one of several Maryland wrestlers with military ties, but his own connection to service stretches back generations. A member of the University of Maryland's NROTC consortium, he's pursuing a future as a Marine Corps officer, continuing a family tradition built on service and sacrifice.
“I want to be part of something greater than myself,” Goldberg said. “It just made sense for me to pursue something in the military, whether that be through the reserves or active duty. ROTC seemed like the perfect pick that allowed me to pursue an education, still be able to wrestle, and have a future career as an officer in the Marine Corps.”
For Goldberg, the commitment to serve didn't begin with his own decision to join ROTC. It's a commitment that has been passed down through generations of his family.
His great-aunt, Betty Sliger, served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. His great-grandfather, Steven Lawerence, was a U.S. Army paratrooper during World War II. His father, Mark Goldberg, is a former Army specialist, while his brother, Joseph, currently serves on active duty in the Navy.
With several generations of military service behind him, Goldberg is preparing to carry that legacy forward when he graduates and begins his own career in the Marine Corps.
“I'm grateful for every single person that's willing to risk their life in order to keep our country the way it is,” Goldberg said. “If it weren't for them, we wouldn't be here today. I'm also willing to do the same thing because I know what sacrifices need to be made in order for people to have the freedoms they need.”
Long before Goldberg began preparing for military service himself, he was surrounded by examples of what that commitment looked like. Growing up in a military household, he learned early that service starts with the values you carry into everyday life.
The three biggest things that were constantly repeated in my household were my faith in God, my relationships with family members, and the love for my country. Having those three values instilled in me propelled me into a very disciplined lifestyle.Jared Goldberg
Goldberg always envisioned a future in military service. As he explored his options, he found a path that would allow him to pursue three passions simultaneously: academics, athletics and service — three areas he sees as closely intertwined.
“When it comes to becoming an officer, you’re going to be evaluated on everything that you do,” Goldberg said. “One common thing that’s repeated in the wrestling room is that how you do anything is how you do everything, and that’s 100% true when it comes to the military, especially the Marine Corps.”
The similarities between the two environments extend well beyond their shared emphasis on discipline. In both wrestling and military service, preparation is constant, accountability is expected and adversity is inevitable.
Collegiate wrestlers must remain disciplined in every aspect of their daily routines, from training and nutrition to the habits they develop outside the wrestling room. Those same standards of preparation and accountability are essential for Goldberg as he works toward Officer Candidates School.
“They’re looking at how you interact with other people, how you handle situations, whether it goes right or wrong, and how you move forward,” Goldberg said. “They look at how you’re able to adapt, and that's just like a wrestling match. Things aren’t going to go perfectly. You’re going to have to find a way to persevere and have faith in yourself, the work you’ve put in, and the people who are behind you.”
Goldberg understands that success in either environment requires taking ownership of his actions. While he recognizes the importance of the people supporting him, he also knows that his progress ultimately depends on the work he puts in himself.
“I love accountability,” Goldberg said. “Whether it’s wrestling or the ROTC, I would rather be accountable for my own actions than put them in the hands of someone else. Being able to understand that what I’m doing every single moment will lead me to my ultimate goal. I like that much more than someone basically controlling my life.”
The balance of a student-athlete is difficult enough without adding a demanding ROTC lifestyle to it. In order to make each day manageable, Goldberg relies on his upbringing and the many support systems around him.
It’s a daily thing. You’ve got to take it one thing at a time, understanding that one thing needs to be done before the other. I’m trying to do what I need to do in order to accomplish everything needed on each end of the spectrum. I want to become the best officer, while also becoming the best wrestler I can be and getting the grades I need in order to compete.Jared Goldberg
With several branches already represented in Goldberg’s family, he’s adding another with his future in the Marine Corps. Goldberg has tremendous respect for each branch of the U.S. military, but naturally talks up the Marine Corps above all else.
That respect for service is shared throughout the Maryland wrestling program. The Terps have numerous connections to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders, and understand the sacrifices made by those who protect the country.
The old adage “We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us,” is one that junior Branson John holds close to his heart because of his family’s deep ties to national service, security and defense.
I’m extremely grateful to those who have fought in service for our country in past, present and future. Thank you to my cousin, Hanna Getz, who is currently serving in the Navy, and to my dad who served many years ago.Branson John
For Goldberg, his ambitions extend well beyond his individual accomplishments. He's motivated by the people who have shaped him, the teammates who push him and the generations of family members who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
Becoming the best version of himself isn't simply about what he can accomplish. It's about what he can give to the people around him.
“The thing that drives me is other people,” Goldberg said. “I like being around people in the wrestling community and in the military community. Having them be there and willing to support me is such a motivating factor. I love the culture here at Maryland. People are always pushing each other to become the best version of themselves.”
