My Maryland Made Moment: Emily McKee
How a Maryland golfer found community and a future with Maryland Made
Brady Ruth, Staff Writer
9/15/2026
With every swing Emily McKee takes on the golf course, she has hundreds of people behind her.
Through Maryland Made, McKee has not only found a support system and community, but also a passion for sports business and a clearer outlook on her future after college.
The Oakville, Ontario, native’s first year in College Park was mostly about gaining her bearings and learning how to balance being a student-athlete in the Big Ten Conference. Her first collegiate golf season featured seven events and a career-low 225 at the Evie Odom Invitational.
But perhaps the most influential part of her freshman year came from stepping out of her comfort zone, getting involved with Maryland Made and attending its Career Exposure Trip in New York City.
She was nervous and hesitant to apply, not knowing many student-athletes outside of her sport. The decision to apply, however, gave her a new community and made her the newest student-athlete to take advantage of Maryland Made’s opportunities to prepare for life outside of sports.
Being a freshman, I was a bit nervous to apply. I’m so glad I did. It was the best experience ever. It was so nice to meet everyone, and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was a great kickstart to my exposure to the professional world.Emily McKee
Over the five-day trip, McKee developed several professional skills, including how to network and what career paths interested her. It wasn’t just her first experience with Maryland Made; it was her Maryland Made Moment.
“I gained so much confidence,” McKee said. “I was nervous for the New York trip, but I was quickly pushed out of my comfort zone and thrown into the professional world. Being able to know that I can network professionally made me feel like I belonged there. I learned so much about myself and what I want to do after college.”
She returned from the trip with a plan to involve herself in as many Maryland Made groups as possible. Now a sophomore, McKee is part of the 2026-27 Barry and Mary Gossett Fellows Program and the 2026-27 Under Armour x Luminary Women’s Leadership Program. Next summer, she plans to join Maryland Made’s InTERPship program.
McKee is already gaining a strong understanding of her strengths and ambitions. Equipped with the tools she gained through her experience with Maryland Made, she now exudes the confidence that eluded her as a freshman.
“Being an athlete, I had never really had any job experience or anything like that,” McKee said. “Maryland Made has made it so much easier to get set up for the future. The resources that they’re able to provide are so helpful and meaningful, which is another reason why I’m so excited to keep working with them.”
She’s also found a community.
McKee is now a frequent attendee of football and basketball games, tennis matches, and more as she supports her fellow student-athletes as they compete in College Park.
I’ve just loved my time at Maryland in general. Coming to a big school with so many sports has been amazing. Getting to be a part of the student-athlete body and support each other by going to games really makes it feel like a community here. I love my teammates and coaches. I just want people to know how much I love Maryland and being a Terp.Emily McKee
McKee found a passion for sports business on the Career Exposure Trip and has already gained clarity on where her skills can take her — something many students are still searching for early in their college careers.
“I feel like, because of Maryland Made, when I’m done with my four years here, I’m going to be prepared and ready to start my career,” McKee said. “They’ve helped so much in that way. I’m excited to keep learning with them.”
Her pitch to other student-athletes is simple: You don’t know what you might be missing.
A once-hesitant freshman has developed into a confident student-athlete equipped with skills she’ll use long after her time in College Park is complete.
I would say to 100% get involved. Getting to know other athletes is amazing. Everyone here shares the same passion for career-readiness, so I would say to put yourself out there. Get involved with Maryland Made because it’s really an amazing opportunity, and it’s helped me grow as a person and a professional.Emily McKee
McKee isn’t the first student-athlete to have a clear “Maryland Made Moment” in College Park, and she certainly won’t be the last. For the next few years of her collegiate career, she can focus on excelling on the greens, knowing Maryland Made has helped prepare her for everything beyond them.
