Why We Give: Scott and Ellen Wilson

Scott and Ellen Wilson are this year’s Jack Heise Terrapin Spirit Award winners, honoring their lifelong fandom and consistent commitment to Maryland Athletics. 

“I didn’t know Jack, but I’ve heard an awful lot about him,” Wilson said. “It certainly makes us feel good that somebody recognizes the things we’ve done to try and make Maryland a better place. Our whole objective is to enhance the student-athlete experience at Maryland. That’s the underlying of everything that we do.”

Scott and his wife, Ellen, have been huge supporters and donors for decades, especially with Maryland women’s basketball. They were awarded the Jack Heise Terrapin Spirit Award, given annually to a donor who best exemplifies Terrapin Spirit, at halftime of the men’s basketball game vs. Iowa on Feb. 11.

“We got involved with women’s basketball when we became Director’s Circle level annual Terrapin Club donors,” Wilson said. “We picked three sports for our scholarship student-athlete, and they matched us up with women’s basketball, and we’ve been there and loved it ever since.”

Wilson grew up in Montgomery County, not far from College Park. His Maryland fandom was instilled in him early. Still, it’s hard to think he’d ever imagine being this involved with his hometown Terps.

“We came as kids all the time,” Wilson said. “My father was in the Terrapin Club, so he gave me tickets when we were in high school so we could go to games.”

Wilson transferred to the University of Maryland midway through his college years, fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a Terrapin. 

“We’ve been through different levels in our fandom,” Wilson said. “But when you know all the people, you’re just more invested in what’s going on, and they’re always easy to cheer for.”

Wilson often follows the women’s basketball team on the road, carrying his Maryland pride with him cross-country to venue after venue. When Maryland won the Spokane Regional in the 2015 NCAA Tournament by knocking off former ACC foe Duke and No. 2 Tennessee, the team put Wilson in charge of carrying the trophy around, and he got to fly with the team to the Final Four.

“Our involvement with the women’s team has been incredible,” Wilson said. “We have a son with disabilities, and they’ve really embraced him. He’s done a lot of things with them that most kids don’t ever get to experience.”

Wilson and his kin have been a part of the women’s basketball family for years and have seen more Terp road games than almost anyone else. Being as involved as he is helps him watch the game through a special lens that not everyone is able to experience.

“If you had a sibling, kid, or someone you knew playing for any team, you’d be more involved,” Wilson said. “It’s not different when you know all the people involved. They’re really great people, so it’s great to be able to have a higher level of interest in the team.”

Wilson encourages others to get involved and continue to grow the Maryland Athletics brand. Fans interested should contact the Terrapin Club at 301-314-7020 or tclub@umd.edu. 

“Anybody can do what we do,” Wilson said. “I’d encourage people to get involved with a sport, team, coach, or whatever interests them. Whether they provide moral support or financial support, everybody can do something to be more involved and make a difference.”

Our campaign for the Fearless

Terrapin Club gifts support Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless, a $2.5 billion fundraising initiative in support of expanding access to UMD's top-tier education, accelerating groundbreaking research and building stronger communities. Maryland Athletics aims to raise at least $350M as part of the Forward campaign, elevating priorities that fit into four fundraising objectives: Elevate a championship culture; empower young people to realize their full potential; mold tomorrow's leaders today; and foster success through community. Those interested in learning more about how they can participate in the Forward campaign are encouraged to click HERE or contact the Terrapin Club at 301-314-7020 or tclub@umd.edu.