Maryland Made: Terps Head West For Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest
Six Maryland student-athletes recently traveled to Portland, Oregon, for a life-changing trip as a part of the Big Ten Conference’s “Big Life” Series.
Brady Ruth, Staff Writer
7/16/2026
The “Big Life Series” exists as a part of the Big Ten’s commitment to providing educational and developmental opportunities beyond competition. This year’s trip to the Pacific Northwest served as the latest installment of the initiative that’s existed since 2022, connecting student-athletes with the people, places, and histories that shape communities throughout the conference’s expanded footprint.
“I would 100 percent tell everyone that they should take advantage of the amazing opportunities that are given to us as student-athletes,” women's basketball rising sophomore Addi Mack said. "My trip to Portland was awesome; getting to meet new people, experience new places, and learn about myself and others is something I am super grateful for. I not only got to strengthen my friendships with people from Maryland, but I also got to meet amazing new people as well. I had a great experience and would definitely do it again."
This year’s trip provided over 180 student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from all 18 Big Ten institutions with firsthand immersive experiences to learn about the rich culture and history of the Pacific Northwest, an area still relatively new to the nation’s largest conference.
“The Big Life series allows student athletes such as myself to appreciate history that shapes the future,” track and field junior Simone Cooper said. "Through this trip I wanted the opportunity to be apart of traditions such as the Grande Ronde Reservation to see how Native communities have preserved their culture. This trip also revealed the truths of Pacific Northwest, both the good and the bad, while highlighting all communities that have built up our Country. Through its pretty scenery and historical background, Oregon left me with a refreshed mindset and new perspective."
Over the course of the four-day trip, the student-athletes engaged in programming that included visits to Multnomah Falls, the Oregon Historical Society, the Grande Ronde Reservation, and Cooper Mountain Vineyards. Before the program officially began, the Terps were able to visit the Moda Center — home of the Portland Trailblazers — for a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility.
“Being able to see what the lifestyle is in the northwest was eye opening,” football freshman Messiah Delhomme said. "It was also awesome to be able to connect with different players and sports across all Big Ten institutions."
The Terps were able to visit the Oregon Historical Society and learn about how Oregon was shaped by the many people that have called it home, including the often-untold Black, Native American, and Japanese history that has shaped the state.
“One of the biggest insights I gained from the trip was realizing how much you can learn by stepping into a place with an open mind,” track and field sophomore Daouda Niang said. "Before visiting Portland, I didn’t know much about Oregon’s history or the many cultures and communities that have shaped the state. Hearing different perspectives and experiencing the city firsthand gave me a greater appreciation for how the history and culture influence the people around us. The trip reminded me that leadership is also about listening and learning too from experiences outside of athletics."
Participants also toured the Yasui Family exhibit, learning about the challenges Japanese Americans faced during World War II and the advocacy efforts that helped advance civil rights in the decades that followed.
Student-athletes learned about the traditional longhouse, witnessed cultural traditions, and took part in the Grand Entry ceremony. They also were able to tour the Yasui Family exhibit to learn about the challenges Japanese Americans faced during World War II and the advocacy efforts that helped advance civil rights in the decades that followed.
I think the visit to the Grand Ronde Reservation was the most impactful experience for me. Being welcomed into their community and culture with such openness was incredibly special. Having the opportunity to not only witness but also take part in their powwow was a truly unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever.Sydney Bryant, Senior, Volleyball
Through meaningful dialogue, site visits, and shared experiences, the series encouraged reflection, broadened perspectives, and strengthened connections among those in attendance.
The Big Ten launched the Life Series to empower student-athletes to become thoughtful leaders within their communities. The annual program continues to provide transformative educational opportunities that inspire participants to engage more deeply with the diverse people, traditions, and landscapes that shape our society.
“One way I hope to apply what I learned is by taking some of the history of the state and sharing it to make people more aware of the amazing and culturally diverse history of Oregon,” rising sophomore Malik Washington said.
