2026 Commencement: Terp Reflections
5/18/2026
Graduation is a milestone that signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For the University of Maryland's student-athletes, this milestone is even more significant, as it represents the culmination of years of hard work dedicated to balancing the rigorous demands of sports and academics. These student-athletes have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also managed to thrive academically. They reflected on their time at Maryland, what being a Maryland student-athlete meant to them and their post-graduation next steps. Congratulations to all our Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 graduates.
Fiona Carter
Track & Field - B.A. Government and Politics
I leave Maryland feeling prepared for the next step in my life. During my time here, I got serious about my career goals, and Maryland played a huge part in that growth. The resources that Maryland Athletics provides for career development through Maryland Made were life-changing. From networking opportunities to mentorship and professional development, I was constantly pushed to think bigger about my future.
Being a student-athlete at Maryland taught me many lessons, but some of the most important came from how I grew outside of the track and classroom. I gained a new level of confidence and pushed myself to develop the skills needed to navigate leadership positions in new spaces. Maryland gave me a support system that challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, and that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.
Tamari Gagoshidze
Tennis - B.S. Accounting
This is not just a place I am graduating from; this is where I found my second home and my second family. At UMD, people do not just see you, they invest in you, challenge you, and push you to become better than you ever thought to be.
James Gladden
Baseball - B.S. Kinesiology
All I ever wanted growing up was to be able to play for Maryland and represent my state. Being able to do that and create relationships that I will keep for the rest of my life means the absolute world to me.
Aden Hill
Baseball - B.S. Management
It means the world to me being from Maryland, I’ve always had Maryland Pride. What stands out to me most about my career more than any accolades is being able to effect the people around me and be a positive influence on other people’s lives.
Leah Horwitz
Field Hockey - B.S. Marketing
Being a student-athlete here gave me the mental preparation, discipline, and physical tools to grow not only in my sport, but as a person. I’m incredibly grateful for my teammates, coaches, and everyone who helped shape my experience and pushed me to become the best version of myself both on and off the field.
Fleur Knopert
Field Hockey • B.S. Biological Sciences
Graduating from Maryland means a lot to me. I’m so proud to be a Terp and so grateful for everything this chapter has given me. I’ll definitely miss playing on this beautiful field with my friends everyday. The past two years were awesome. This place will always be a second home to me.
Maddie Komoroski
Gymnastics • B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Graduating from the University of Maryland means more than earning a degree. It means finding lifelong friendships, becoming a leader on and off the field, and growing into the woman I am today. The university and athletic department have given me so much over the last four years, and I’ll always be grateful for the experiences, lessons, and memories that shaped me. Go Terps!
Katrina Mendez-Abolnik
Gymnastics - M.S. Management Studies
The University of Maryland gave me way more than just a degree - it gave me growth, resilience, lifelong friendships, and memories I’ll carry forever. Balancing academics and athletics has taught me discipline, sacrifice, and to keep showing up even when I’m having a hard day. Graduating means closing one chapter and stepping confidently into the next, proud of everything this journey demanded and everything it made me become. Forever a Terp baby!
Ava Morales
Women's Soccer - B.S. Neurobiology
I am truly grateful for every experience I have had here at Maryland. I have made friends for life and memories that I’ll forever cherish. I am honored to have been able to represent Maryland both on and off the field. Getting to play for my home state was a dream come true and I am so grateful to call UMD my second home.
Éva Mowery
Women's Soccer - B.S. Biological Sciences: General Biology
I am extremely grateful for my last four years here at Maryland. Having the opportunity to compete at such a high level, all while making lifelong best friends, has been nothing short of amazing. I have learned so many lessons as a student-athlete and have gained many redeeming qualities to succeed in my next chapter in life. Whether it is overcoming adversity or becoming a better leader, Maryland Athletics has prepared me for it all. As always, go Terps!
Taylor Rech
Gymnastics • B.S. Human Development
My time at the University of Maryland has been something I’ll always be grateful for. Balancing academics and Division I gymnastics was not always easy, but it pushed me to grow in so many ways and made this accomplishment even more meaningful. Maryland gave me unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and experiences that shaped me into who I am today. Representing the Terps has been such an honor, and graduating as a student athlete is something I’ll always be proud of. Forever a Terp!
Devin Russell
Baseball - B.A. Criminology and Criminal Justice
Graduating from Maryland is unbelievable. It’s a school that I’m not sure I would have been able to get into without baseball. Baseball brought me here but the school is what kept me here. Looking back, it’s the best four years of my life and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Brayden Ryan
Baseball - B.S. Management
Graduating from the University of Maryland as a student-athlete is something that I never thought would be possible at one point in time. I am very blessed and thankful for the opportunity.
Lavain Scruggs
Football - B.S. Family Health
Graduating from Maryland means more than walking across a stage, it represents what it means to be a Terp, and that’s to finish strong. Being a Terp allowed me to grow on and off the field, and learn how to be consistent, accountable and disciplined. It shaped me to be prepared for obstacles beyond football. I couldn’t be more proud of myself for earning a degree from the University of Maryland.
AnnaMarie Tretola
Track & Field/Cross Country - B.S. Finance
Four years of cross country, indoor, and outdoor track have taught me more than just showing up, and putting in the miles. Real work happens in the moments you are faced with a setback. When I was not achieving the results I wanted, I learned to be more patient, self-aware, and confident in myself. Maryland gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual and within competing; by putting me around people who are very talented within the Big10. I was always being challenged physically and mentally. The support I gained from my teammates allowed me to believe in myself even when I doubted myself. By wearing the UMD uniform I represented something bigger than myself. Maryland didn’t just shape me as a competitor but it built the foundation of who I will be after this chapter is over.
Logan Turner
Softball - B.A. Sociology
Graduating from Maryland is something I am extremely proud of, and it truly means the world to me. I’ve am supported by my coaches and the staff at Maryland both on and off the field, and that support and guidance has meant so much to me. My experience here has taught me lessons I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life, and helped me build relationships that will last just as long. I will always be incredibly proud and thankful for the opportunity to be a Terp!
Rachael Whitehead
Field Hockey
Graduating from Maryland reflects how much I’ve grown both on and off the field throughout my experience as a student-athlete. Being part of this incredible program challenged me in ways that helped shape who I am today, teaching me how to navigate pressure, support the people around me, and stay committed through both the highs and lows. Balancing athletics and academics pushed me to grow personally and professionally, while the relationships and experiences I’ve gained here have prepared me not only for competition, but for life after sports and the opportunities ahead.
Ally Williams
Volleyball - B.S. Family Health
Graduating from the University of Maryland is truly an honor. Earning my degree while competing as a student athlete at such an incredible university is something I am eternally grateful for!
Sammi Woods
Softball - B.S. Marketing
Graduating from the University of Maryland means so much to me because it reflects the years of hard work both in the classroom and on the field. My athletic career was fulfilling in so many aspects and taught me discipline, teamwork and resilience. I’m so proud of what I accomplished and grateful for the experiences and people that helped shape me along the way.
