Maryland Athletics Celebrates Fearless Women Week
5/14/2026
Fifty years ago, the University of Maryland awarded its first scholarship to a female student-athlete. This marked a milestone that helped shape generations of women who would go on to redefine excellence across Maryland Athletics.
During Fearless Women Week (May 10-16), we celebrate the trailblazers, leaders, competitors, and mentors who built that legacy and continue to inspire the next generation of Terrapins. Their impact extends far beyond competition, influencing teammates, families, classrooms, communities, and the future of women’s sports.
To honor that legacy, members of the Maryland Athletics community reflected on one question: What does a fearless woman mean to you, and how do you see that reflected in your program? Their answers highlight the strength, resilience, confidence, and unwavering support that define the women who continue to elevate Maryland Athletics every day.
We are fortunate to have a long tradition of fearless women here at Maryland. From amazing athletes to coaches who paved the way, we are so proud of all of our amazing women in our Maryland family.Brenda Frese, Head Coach (Women’s Basketball)
Maryland Athletics has always shown great commitment and pride in supporting all of our fearless women and programs at the highest level.
The fearless women of the Maryland Gymnastics team are ready to be the great future leaders of our country in any field they choose. I am honored to be a part of their journey.”Brett Nelligan, Head Coach (Gymnastics)
To be a fearless woman is to stride through each day with confidence, ambition, passion, and courage- relentless in the face of societal expectations or any obstacles that arise.Andrew Valmon, Head Coach (Track & Field/Cross Country)
Fearless women do not set boundaries or limits on their potential and ambition. I see this reflected as our female athletes surpass new thresholds and cross the finish line with pride.Danielle Siebert, Associate Head Coach (Distance/Cross Country)
A fearless woman grows through every challenge and understands the impact she has on those watching. I’ve seen that in my wife as a former student-athlete at Maryland, and now in how our daughter is inspired by the women in our program. Our players are shaping the next generation, and that ripple effect is exactly why investing in women through efforts like the Fearless Women’s Fund matters.Michael Marchiano, Head Coach (Women’s Soccer)
A fearless woman is someone who is courageous and confident enough to chase big goals, lead authentically, and empower the people around her. It’s something we try to embody every day in our program volleyball through our daily habits and mindset. We constantly talk about embracing the challenge of doing hard things over and over again.Becca Acevedo, Associate Head Coach (Volleyball)
Fearlessly Forward lives in every one of our female athletes, coaches, and administrators. We stand tall, stand together, and use our powerful voices to inspire change. With persistence, passion, and determination, we continue pushing forward to achieve our goals and empower the next generation of fearless women.Missy Meharg, Head Coach (Field Hockey)
A fearless woman is someone who lives boldly, stands up for what’s right, and keeps her focus on embracing growth in the face of adversity. In our program, I get to see each of our athletes become fearless women in their own way. The game forces them to forge forward through the challenges they face on the field. They come together to push each other as leaders and constantly show their belief in one another on their hardest days.Lauren Karn, Head Coach (Softball)
As a head coach, my job is to create an environment where fearless women can grow, where they’re empowered to compete, lead, and be unapologetically themselves. That standard doesn’t just define our program, it helps shape the next generation of leaders.Cathy Reese, Head Coach (Women’s Lacrosse)
The fearless female student-athletes and leaders at Maryland compete with unapologetic confidence and are redefining what strength, excellence, and leadership look like for little girls watching. Being a fearless woman at Maryland means showing up fully every day as an athlete, competitor, student, and lifting up others as you climb.Katie Dougherty, Head Coach (Tennis)
Fearless Women's Week means celebrating the amazing women who have lit the path before us as well as committing to uplifting the next generation of female athletes to achieve even more. Fearlessness isn't something that's inherited; it's taught and passed on with intention.
