The thing I always tell them is in some ways they’re achieving all of the things that I dreamed of achieving by being fearless, powerful women. So what I tell them is to stop and appreciate what that experience is about. These are going to be the best days of their lives and they’re not going to be replicated in any kind of way down the road no matter what else you do in life. It’s really an exceptional time, which is what makes me want to give back and provide it for someone else. The friendships that you make, the experiences you have with coaches, it’s not matched anywhere else.
Pardee’s passion at Maryland doesn’t just involve athletics, but also the major she helped create in the 70s: women’s studies. The Kit Pardee Scholarship was created in 2007 to provide scholarships to undergraduate students who have demonstrated consistent involvement in campus activities, are in good academic standing, and have financial need.
The urge to create a women’s studies major was inspired by what was going on around her with the creation of Title IX. A youthful advocate for women’s rights, Pardee lived in a whirlwind of positive changes.
Being a female student athlete makes me feel empowered because I’ve got the cache to inspire and be a role model to younger female tennis players
A native of Moscow, Russia, Eva Alexandrova came to Maryland as one of the highest rated recruits in program history. She was listed in the top 100 in the ITF rankings when signing her letter of intent, and spent the summer playing tournaments in Asia before coming to Maryland. Alexandrova earned All Big Ten honors her freshman year, and won a team best eight doubles matches playing at the top slot her sophomore year. The junior is currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, and is undefeated at the No. 2 spot for the Terps, making a resilient comeback after a shoulder injury last year.
I think the biggest thing that I learned from my time at Maryland was how to handle failure. I want to say we won everything, but I think it’s having a short memory when losing but at the same time celebrating winning and appreciating it. I look back at my teammates and they’re all my best friends still. I’ve gotten to go back to Maryland many times over the last few years - especially with all the weddings - so it’s still such a special place for me.
Molly Dreska starred for the Maryland women’s soccer program during some of the program’s most prolific seasons, leading Maryland to two NCAA Tournaments and a No. 3 tournament seed as a senior in 2010. Dreska parlayed her passion for the game of soccer into a career working in the sport, including stints with the United Soccer Coaches Association and U.S. Soccer, before landing a role as a communications and digital manager for Sports Kansas City of Major League Soccer. Dreska now serves as a senior communications manager for MLS, using her passion for creative storytelling to share the incredible stories of the growing league’s superstar athletes.
Maryland has given me so many opportunities both academically and athletically. Maryland has helped me gain confidence and inspires me to have a fearless mindset.
Hannah Bond has played in all 69 games of her Maryland career, helping to anchor the field hockey squad's dominant back line. Hannah has laid her body out to save goals and this year, played through a shot to the head to push the Terps in the NCAA Tournament. She's tough, she's a competitor and she's brilliant. Hannah has earned multiple All-Big Ten Academic honors and last year, she earned the Elite90 Award for the student-athlete with the highest GPA at the Final Four.
I traveled all the way across the country to be a student-athlete at Maryland, and it has helped shaped not only who I am today, but the coaching career I chose. First off, it wasn’t easy. I had to learn to be fearless as it was a bit of a culture shock for the freshman from a coastal beach town north of San Diego to College Park, Maryland. I had to not only overcome homesickness but to adjust to new surroundings, a new level of commitment, a new team, winning and losing, experiencing weather I had never seen, and being exposed to people from so many different places and backgrounds all which helped me mature and grow tremendously as a young woman. I have incredible memories from my Terp years, and it all started with my amazing teammates that are now my family for life. We still stay in touch regularly, and it is the greatest group of FEARLESS women who have all accomplished so much and continue to be great role models by inspiring others and empowering all those around them as well.
One of the best to ever play volleyball at Maryland, Nicole Lantagne Welch has never left the sport, now the head coach of the University of California Santa Barbara volleyball team. Lantagne Welch finished her career at Maryland as the all-time leader in assists, digs, and matches played after an illustrious four-year career as a setter from 1990-93. She still ranks second all-time in digs and among the all-time top-10 in service aces, assists, and hitting percentage. The Encinitas, California, native was a three-time All-ACC honoree, including two first-team selections. Now a great among the coaching ranks, Lantagne Welch has been named an AVCA Region Coach of the year three times and a conference coach of the year twice (ACC, 2012 & Big West, 2013).
One of my greatest accomplishments as an athlete was being a member of the women’s golf team at Maryland. I often look back on my experiences as a student-athlete and how they have shaped who I am today - not only as a working professional but, as a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. I am truly thankful for my time in College Park, as I cultivated so many wonderful memories and friendships that impact my life today. GO TERPS!
Kerri Connolly Costello competed for the Maryland women's golf program from 2007-2010. She finished among the top 35 of the ACC Championships twice. She helped the Terrapins to four team titles. She was named to Maryland Athletics' 30 Under 30 in 2019. She is now a Player Development Representative for the Acushnet Company (Titleist & FootJoy). In this role, she works with elite junior, college, amateur, and post-graduate female golfers across the globe. She has been in this role for the past six years. Kerri continues to support the women’s golf team at Maryland. Kerri has also continued to stay connected with her Alma Mater as a Terrapin Club donor.
I am proud to be a #fearlesswoman that is a part of a program that supports and encourages the development of their female athletes, as both competitors and individuals. The UMD track family is able focus on fun and relationship building while promoting female individual accomplishments and overall team success. Maryland has given me the opportunity to showcase my talents as I look forward to seeing track & field grow and shine the spotlight on the next generation of upcoming young girls who are fearless on the track and have no limits.
Canadian native Xahria Santiago competed with Team Canada at the 2018 IAAF U20 World Championships and earned 2019 All-American Honors for her performances in the 400m hurdles. Santiago holds three indoor Top-10 all-time marksin the 300m (38.28), 400m (54.17) and is a member of the school record 4x400m realy team. Her performance extend into the outdoor season, with three Top-Ten All-Time marks in the 400m (54.08), 400m hurdles (56.69) and the 4x400m relay. She is the second fastet Terp that has competed in the 400m hurdles.
My mom has been my role model my whole life. She is a leader and always encouraged us to do whatever we were passionate about. Growing up, she was my coach and we shared a love of the game. That made us closer. She showed me what it means to be a strong, independent woman.
Faith Masonius has come to College Park this year and made her presence known. She has been praised for her energy, communication and selflessness for the team. So far, Masonius has played in all 22 games, helping the Terrapins to 22 wins, Masonius grew up as part of a team. She's the sixth of 10 children in a tight-knit family. Her mother, Ellen, played at Saint Joseph's and coached Faith growing up.
"Maryland has molded me into the woman that I am today and gymnastics has given me the confidence needed to open the doors for aspiring young gymnasts.
"Fearless women are those who are able to follow their dreams no matter what obstacles and challenges come their way. The majority of my childhood, I was raised by a single mother. She always pushed me to never give up, no matter how hard things may have been. As a result of her love and support, my dreams of becoming a collegiate athlete became a reality. Now I am able to inspire other young gymnasts, including my little sister, that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. I am beyond blessed to have coaches, teammates, and staff members that encourage me daily. They all, as well as my family, have made my time at the University of Maryland one that I will always remember. Just like my mother led by example and was the perfect role model for me, I strive to do the same and be the best role model that I can possibly be for my little sister. I want to be able to show her exactly what being a fearless woman is all about."
Senior gymnast Tiara Wright has led the Terrapins to their best start in program history. Wright headlines the Terps on beam, posting her career-high 9.850 this season. Wright holds career-highs on bars (9.900) beam (9.850) and floor (9.800). She is the 2012 Junior Olympic National Bar Champion. Wright has overcome a shoulder injury that kept her off the competition floor for a year and has risen to be one of head coach Brett Nelligan’s most consistent competitors.
"I was so fortunate to get the opportunity to play for University of Maryland, and even better to help start the softball program. Being a Maryland kid made it even sweeter. My time at the university was a great experience, and I would not change any of it. I received a great education that set me up for my future career, and was given the opportunity to play the sport I love. [I even met the love of my life, a former baseball player at Maryland]. Along with my teammates, we were able to put Maryland softball ‘on the map’ and play some of the best teams in the country.
"Playing a college sport and getting an education takes work, and being at the University of Maryland taught me discipline. It taught me in order to be your best, you need good work ethic and prioritize what’s important. I learned you always need a good network around you. Most importantly I leaned that with great teammates alongside you, you can accomplish your goals and reach some of the highest levels.
"I truly believe athletics are important for young women and girls because it teaches them self-confidence, teamwork, and to learn how to compete. These things are what they will need later in their lives and careers."
Kelly Shipman-Bronowicz played at Maryland from 1996-1999. Kelly won 1999 ACC Player of the Year, was named the 1997 ACC Tournament MVP, and was awarded First Team All-Region honors all four of her playing years. Kelly ranks first all-time in Maryland history in career wins, career ERA, strikeouts, shutouts and complete games. Kelly also ranks eighth all time in batting average and third all-time in hits.
I’m constantly surrounded by fearless and inspirational women in my life. From my mom to my sister to all my coaches and teammates, I am put in a position to be successful and play the game I love while being around supportive people. Being a Terp has taught me so much and given me so many memorable moments and lifetime friends!
The 2017 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a 2019 Second Team IWLCA All-American, Kali Hartshorn has starred for the Maryland women’s lacrosse team since day one, currently standing second all-time in program history with 388 draw controls.
Now a two-time national champion, Hartshorn comes from a family of female athletes. Kali’s sister, Marin, is a sophomore lacrosse player at Rutgers.
"During my time at Maryland Coach Charles Torpey believed in me and pushed me past my self-imposed limits. He challenged me to think of myself as the best and slowly I started to believe him.
"I was an accomplished athlete at Maryland and sometimes it was difficult as a female living in the shadow of many male dominated sports. I think that this experience helped me develop an even greater sense of dedication and discipline because I wanted to prove that female athletes could garner as much respect as male athletes.
"The work ethic and discipline that I developed as a student athlete at Maryland definitely contributed to the person I have become today.
"Several years ago I decided to coach high school track and field to give back to the sport. On a daily basis I encourage my athletes to strive for greatness, be fearless, and never give up. I tell my athletes: Nothing will work unless you do. Be Fearless and make things happen!"
Rosalind (Taylor) Shepard, a five-time All-American, is the first and only Terp to win the ACC Cross Country Championship individual title at the 1988 championships. During her time at Maryland, she was a three-time All-ACC selection for cross country and was named to the ACC's 50th Anniversary Women's Cross Country Team in 2002. After earning her Bachelor's degree, she received her doctoral degree in School Psychology. She is now a licensed school psychologist for Howard County Schools and is in her eighth year of coaching distance at Long Reach High School.
I hope that we can help every player in our program become a Fearless Woman. I want them to go after whatever goal they have, outwork anyone and know that they can have it all. Here at Maryland, we are committed to helping them chase their dreams.
In her 18 years in College Park, Brenda Frese has led the Terrapins to 10 conference titles, 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, 8 Sweet Sixteens, 6 Elite Eights, 3 Final Fours and the 2006 NCAA Championship. Her program also boasts a 100 percent graduation rate. Frese's former athletes have gone on to become professional athletes, coaches, teachers, doctors and more.
Maryland women’s lacrosse taught me to be a fearless woman by surrounding me with them! Competing with, against, and for such an incredible group of young women showed me that there is no dream too big to tackle head-on. The Maryland culture encourages you to be more than just an excellent lacrosse player, but an excellent person. It is the lessons I learned about leadership, teamwork, and life that I carry with me to this day!
The 2017 Tewaaraton winner, Zoe Stukenberg helped lead Maryland to three national championships, claiming the title in her freshman, sophomore and senior seasons.
Stukenberg was as impressive off the field as she was on it, earning the Big Ten Medal of Honor in 2017 and being named the Elite 90 recipient (highest GPA of any student-athlete in Final Four) three times. Post graduation, Stukenberg is currently at Medical School at the University of Michigan while broadcasting lacrosse games for the Big Ten Network.
Playing for Maryland softball means playing for my state, my family, and all of the people who sacrificed and invested in my success. It’s a tremendous honor to be one of 18 women representing the state of Maryland’s flagship institution on the field everyday.I hope to inspire the next generation of girls through sports by always being a positive role model on and off of the field. I want the girls who watch me play to see the same spirit and enthusiasm for my teammates and the game regardless of if i’m 0 for 4 or 4 for 4. I want the next generation of girls to know that being strong and powerful is beautiful and it’s not about what you look like, rather how hard you work and what kind of teammate you are.
Finishing fifth in overall average for the 2019 season, junior Taylor Wilson has emerged as a leader on and off the field for Terps softball. She sits on Executive Board as the Terps Together Committee Chair, while maintaining a .982 fielding percentage as a first baseman for the Terps.
Being a #fearlesswoman means charging toward the unknown with confidence and passion. While coaching the first team to have competitive cheer recognized with varsity status, it was an honor to lead #fearlesswomen who were paving the way for all of the little girls who were in love with the sport. Launching each other into the air, mastering levels of difficulty traditionally reserved for the men, balancing 20 people into structures that were three stories high and maneuvering synchronized flipping and twisting is about as fearless as you can be. The accomplishments of my team inspire me daily in my career as a marketing executive. Trust, goal setting, achieving excellence, crushing the competition and having a warrior mentality are traits ingrained in me and were learned from each and every one of the warriors I coached.
Jarnell (Bonds) Swecker is a Terp alum, former head coach and pioneer. She helped the Terrapins to five national competitve cheer titles - one as a student-athlete, one as an assistant coach and three as head coach of the Terrapins' squad from 2006-11. Swecker helped lead the way as Maryland was the first school with a competitive cheer team. She helped the program and other schools build a new league and laid the groundwork.
Being a #FearlessWomen is telling yourself that you CAN, when society tells you can’t. I consider my mother a #FearlessWoman. She came over from Antigua and Barbuda to the U.S. to attend Howard University on a track scholarship in college. She had no family and no friends, yet she fearlessly came to a different country to chase her dreams. Because she believed In herself and told herself she CAN, she became the first ever athlete (men or women) to be inducted twice in the Howard Hall of Fame (and participated in the 1984 Olympics). I aspire to be like my mother and live life fearlessly and confidently as I chase my dreams of playing professional basketball!
Kaila Charles has been the Terrapins’ leader throughout her four years. She is in the top 10 in program history in scoring and rebounding. She’s started in all 123 of her career games and has led the Terps to three Big Ten titles ... and counting.
Off the court, Kaila is a two-time All Big Ten Academic honoree and will graduate this spring. Earlier this month, she was named a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award, an honor that recognizes a senior for their character, their work in the community, the classroom and in competition.
Dr. Yvette L. Rooks, M.D., serves as Maryland's Director of Sports Medicine, Lead Team Physician and Assistant Director in the University Health Center. In these roles, Dr. Rooks leads the UHC’s newly-created sports medicine department, and serves as the primary care clinician and sports medicine specialist to Maryland's student-athletes, and to the campus as needed. She oversees all aspects of sports medicine, including athletic training, sports nutrition, and sports psychology. Dr. Rooks previously served as the Chief Medical Officer for athletics at Rutgers and was a team physician at Maryland for nearly two decades before returning in August.
As a local Maryland kid, it was a dream to represent my state and sport at the highest levels as a Maryland student-athlete. My time in College Park set me up for success athletically, professionally, and personally by encouraging me to be a #fearlesswoman. I was able to chase my athletic dreams, reaching new personal bests, and helping my team compete at championships. Outside of the pool, I was able to kick start my career by studying communications and public relations while working for the Maryland media relations office. My education and experience prepared me for a career in marketing and PR where I work with a variety of Fortune 500 and 100 companies. While at Maryland, I also forged lifelong friendships, including my husband, Tyler Bowen. I owe so much of who I’ve become to Maryland and it’s ability to nurture and encourage #fearlesswomen.
Ginny (Glover) Bam starred as a swimmer in College Park from 2008-2012 and holds one individual school record and was a part of four relay program records. A native of Ellicott City, Md., Glover was a four-time All-American, two-time All-ACC academic selection and competed at the 2012 Olympic Trials. A backstroke and freestyle specialist, Glover did more than just compete for the Terps, also working as a student assistant in the athletic department's communications office. She is married to Tyler Bowen, a former Maryland football player, and works for Marina Maher Communications, a PR agency.
Maryland athletics had a special impact on my career as Brett and my teammates became family, taught me life lessons, and opened my mind to new competitive and cultural ideologies. Maryland gave me family, pride, and the confidence I needed to pursue a career in the most prestigious live performance company, Cirque du Soleil. As a woman, performing for 3,600 people each night means I have the opportunity to inspire passion and evoke imagination to other women on a nightly basis from all over the world! They may have a seemingly outlandish dream like a career in the circus, and I get to be the woman that shows them it's possible.
Abigail (Adams) Schmidt established herself as one of the top Maryland gymnasts in recent memory, winning a pair of EAGL All-Around conference titles in her final two seasons in College Park. Schmidt, formally Adams, was named to 12 separate All-EAGL teams during her career and was a four-time EAGL All-Academic team. Post graduation, Adams has transitioned to the performance arena as a flyer/acrobat for Cirque du Soleil, the world's most prestigious live performance company.
I have been so fortunate to coach, play with, and learn from so many fearless women at Maryland. Each in their own unique way, they are strong, confident, talented and powerful women who are incredibly awesome on and off the field and then go on to be extremely successful in life. It means so much to me that I get to bring my daughter around our program and university and have so many amazing female role models for her to look up to.
Cathy Reese has been embedded in Maryland athletics since she stepped foot in College Park as a women’s lacrosse student-athlete, helping lead the Terps to 12 national championships as a player from 1995-98, assistant coach from 1999-03 and head coach from 2007-present.
The all-time winningest coach in program history, Reese currently holds a 270-22 record as the leader of the Terrapins and has led Maryland to five National Championships, has coached eight Tewaaraton Award winners and is a five-time National Coach of the Year. As a player, Reese was a two-time All-American & first team All-ACC (1997, 1998) and the 1998 NCAA Tournament Most Valuable Player, winning a national championship in each of her four years.
Playing the sport that I love at the University of Maryland has been incredibly rewarding. Growing up only 20 minutes from campus, I’ve been supporting Maryland’s teams since I was nine. Not only has playing soccer here given me the opportunity to travel to amazing places and play alongside amazing people, but it is also allowed me to be surrounded by other fearless female athletes who excel in their respective sport. I am beyond grateful that I am able to represent my home state while gaining experiences that I will forever cherish. I am glad to be a Terp!
As the Maryland women’s soccer team navigates uncharted waters in the Big Ten, Anissa Mose has been a key figure in helping the Terrapins make history. After several seasons of rebuilding, Mose and the Terps broke through in 2019, advancing to the program’s first-ever Big Ten Tournament while solidifying the team’s best-ever conference finish. Mose didn’t just excel on the soccer pitch, as the Laurel, Maryland native’s competitive dance background instilled a fearless desire to express herself on the biggest stages.
The University of Maryland is my family. It’s important to be involved in volunteer activities. Not everyone can write a check, but most people have the ability to do some volunteer activity that helps the university and students. Maryland's women athletes are awesome. They are consistently winners. I give because it is evident that they truly appreciate all that the University does for them. They are the athletic department's treasure for the ages.
Karel Petraitis lives and breathes Terp Nation. As the president of the Prince George's County Terps Alumni network, she leads more than 26,000 alumni to stay engaged with the University through many activities. She is a volunteer/member of at least eight organizations - including Women's Basketball's 'Rebounders' and makes gift baskets for the field hockey team.
Petraitis is an attorney that specializes in a variety of legal disciplines including family, estate, wills, and personal injury in the state of Maryland. She has been providing service to the Prince George's county area for 40+ years and gives back to her community as much as she can.
I would have to say the most important thing that I took from being a part of Maryland water polo was the relationships. The friendships that I formed while playing at Maryland are some of the greatest I have. My experience working towards championships with a great group of young ladies brought us to build a winning team as well as life long friendships.
Elizabeth Hopkins was one of Maryland's all-time great water polo players. The Terps' all-time leader in points (261) went on to play professionally for Club Esportiu Mediterrani in Barcelona, Spain. Hopkins also ranks second all-time in goals (189) and assists (72). The Coronado, California, native was a two-time first team All-CWPA Southern Division selection (2008-09) and helped lead the Terps to a third-place finish at the CWPA Eastern Championship in 2009. The Hopkins family consisted of athletes through-and-through, as her two brothers both played Division I water polo, her father played soccer, and her mother played volleyball in college.
"During my time at Maryland, and after, I had amazing coaches and a great support team. With their love and support I knew that there wasn't anything that I couldn't accomplish. Even during the times where I wanted to quit and move back to California my support team at Maryland would not allow it. Why? Because they believed in me and knew that I was a fearless woman.
"Knowing I had people who believed in me no matter what, pushed me to reach for goals that I felt I couldn't reach and has inspired me to do the same for others.
"At Maryland it wasn't easy doing seven plus events, but I was provided the support to do more than I expected and I did. If I can give an ounce of that into my athletes, especially my female athletes, it would create an environment where people are more FEARLESS."
Kiani Profit graduated from the University of Maryland in 2011 and went on to compete in the 2012 and 2016 olympic trials. She is the school record holder in both the pentathlon (4,396) and heptathlon (5,695). Additionally, she is on the Terps' top-ten all time list for the 400m (54.21), 800m (2:09.67), 55-meter hurdles (8.28), 60-meter hurdles and high jump (5-08.75). Profit's multi-event talents led her to earning four All-American titles, two in the pentathlon and two in the heptathlon. After graduating from Maryland, she continued her track and field career with Team USA where she took home first place in the heptathlon at the 2010 and 2012 North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Under-23 Championships. Profit is in her second year as a high school track coach where she continues to inspire her athletes to be be great on and off the track.
It means the world for me to compete for this team; the coaches have put a lot of faith in me and to be able to play because my parents sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am today. It’s a privilege to be where I am and I play because I love the game!
A Silver Spring, Maryland native, Ayana Akli is a three-time Maryland state champion in addition to winning three consecutive Player of the Year awards in her region. Akli was a dominant force throughout her high school career, finishing 12-0 each year while on the varsity tennis team at Wheaton High, and went on to play 12 professional matches in the ITF Juniors division.
Ranking as high as No. 407th in the world by ITF and coming in as a unanimous blue chip recruit, Akli has already begun to make strides for the Terrapins, taking home two singles titles in fall play and is currently undefeated in the spring regular season.
I am proud to support the Terrapin Club and the female student-athletes who are succeeding in the classroom and on the courts and fields of play. I am thrilled that through scholarships, we can offer a platform to educate these fearless women and help develop great talent. I also give because I love to win. Championships are never easy, but are helped when we collectively exhibit Maryland pride and passion and embrace the need for financial support. Think about the legends associated with Maryland Athletics - Kristi Toliver, Cathy Reese, Katie Bam, Erika Pritchard - just to name a few. At Maryland we are fearless and these women have and continue to make us proud. I am thankful for all of the #FearlessWomen of Maryland!
Susan Wilkes grew up a Maryland fan and there was never a doubt about where she would attend college. She grew up sitting behind the Mighty Sound of Maryland at Football games and wearing Terps Cheerleading outfits, so it was no surprise when she joined the Maryland Cheer team during her time in College Park. She is known as a cheerleader in many aspects of her life still today - as a fan in the stands at many Maryland Athletics events and as the president of the Terrapin Club Board of Directors. She was destined to lead the band of Terrapin Club members that support the Terps. A member for 30 years, you can find her spreading the word of Maryland Athletics as well as cheering when the giant Maryland flag drops down the student section at each home Football and Men's Basketball game.
My parents raised me to see no limits. They said, 'Work hard and believe in yourself and everything else will fall into place.' That is what I want every young woman growing up to believe in. Within Maryland Athletics I am surrounded each day by smart, strong, fearless women. It is an honor to be a small part of their journey, whether that be in the classroom, on the field/court, or in their profession. These amazing women will become doctors, lawyers, moms, coaches, teachers or administrators and my wish is that one day they will say: 'Participation in sport made me realize I could be and do anything I dreamed of.'
Colleen Sorem has worked in collegiate athletics for over 15 years, rising to her current role as the Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Maryland, serving as the second administrator in command with the responsibility of overseeing day-to-day operations of the department and managing the department’s budget.
Coming to Maryland from Towson in 2014, Sorem also supervises the women's basketball and women's lacrosse programs, which have won numerous national and conference titles under her oversight.
I wouldn't have been the same person or had the same amount of success that I've had without being a student athlete. I'm sure every single one of our young women can relate to that. If you can manage to juggle both being a student and an athlete and excel, that puts you so ahead of the curve. There are so many different aspects: the teamwork that's required, the work ethic that's required, overcoming failure - all of these things help. You are cultivating essential skills. To go along with that, I had three knee surgeries. If you can overcome that pain, you can get through anything.
Bonnie Bernstein, a graduate of Maryland's prestigious Merrill College of Journalism, was an academic All-American competing for the Terps' gymnastics team. She is recognized by the American Sportscasters Association as one of the most accomplished female journalists in her field. Bernstein in the founder of Walk Swiftly Productions, her lastest endeavor in a career that has spanned nearly two decades on-air with ESPN and CBS covering the NFL, NBA, MLB and college football and basketball. She has also served as Vice President, Content and Brand Development for Campus Insiders and outside of broadcasting is a passionate public health advocate, with a focus on youth health and wellness.
Donating to The Terrapin Club and The Rebounders affords me the opportunity to be a part of the Terp family. Through the years, I have been able to develop meaningful relationships with players, coaches, staff, and other Maryland fans. However, more importantly, I want our young women to have the best possible experiences as Maryland student-athletes.
"As one who played prior to Title IX, I am well aware of how much it means to have financial and fan support. With our donations, Maryland is provided the opportunity to be successful and competitive on a national level. This is why I donate; so that the The University of Maryland will continue to be synonymous with athletic greatness and student-athletes throughout the country will want to become a part of the Terp family.
"'Maryland we’re all behind you...'
Sharma Wright's association with Maryland Athletics and the Terrapin Club came after serving on the Women's Basketball and Lacrosse teams at Maryland. She played for Women's Basketball's Dottie McKnight prior to Title IX and graduated in 1967. After graduation, Sharma went on to become a physical education teacher in Montgomery County for many years. She then became the first female athletic director at Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, Maryland.
Maryland's support helps me have success as a student and as an athlete. Maryland has given me an awesome college experience and prepared me for my future career. Go Terps!
Virunpat Olankikunchai came to Maryland as a young freshman from halfway around the world. A native of Thailand, Olankitkunchai came for a college experience and to improve her game. Little did she know, she would help take the women's golf program to the next level.
In her sophomore season last year, Olankitkunchai earned seven top 10 finishes and earned All-Big Ten First Team honors. She set the program record for scoring average. Olankitkunchai and the Terps earned their first bid to NCAA Regionals since 2012 and she became the first Terrapin in program history to advance to the NCAA Championships.
My first memory of meeting with students who were interested in playing sports is that they had gathered together over the years and had coached themselves - seniors usually taking the lead. I loved to coach, and because they were so eager to learn, it was an easy decision! It was a pleasure over the years to coach these University of Maryland student athletes!
Dottie McKnight is one of the original Fearless Women of Maryland. She trailblazed the way for women's athletics in College Park.
McKnight served as an administrator and a coach at Maryland from 1964-1976. She was the first women's basketball head coach and coached from 1971-1975. McKnight coached the Terrapins in the first-ever women's basketball game to be televised, a 1975 matchup with Immaculata at Cole Field House.
Dottie was an assistant professor of physical education. She was inducted into the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame in 1974.
I made so many memories and built lifelong relationships in my time at Maryland. My career helped me prepare for the biggest stage, the Olympics. I am now so proud to be back in College Park, coaching amazing fearless women and recruiting future Terps!
A two-time Olympian, four time Player of the Year and two-time National Champion, Katie Bam is one of the most successful players to pick up a field hockey stick. She came to Maryland as a freshman in 2007 and led the Terrapins to the 2008 and 2010 NCAA titles. She was named ACC Player of the Year in all four years of her career and her school records of 306 career points and 99 career goals are still standing today.
After graduation, Bam played in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games with the U.S. National Team. In 2017, she returned to College Park to work alongside Missy Meharg as an assistant coach. In her first two seasons back, the Terrapins made runs to the NCAA Championship game. Last year, she was promoted to Associate Head Coach.
As a woman in sports, I would not be the person that I am today without the unconditional love and continual support from my coaches, my teammates, the University of Maryland ICA staff, as well as my family, all of which challenged me to express my inner self in the most positive and impactful way possible.
Cambridge, Ontario native, Kirsten Peterman is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree who earned her B.A. in kinesiology in 2019. She is currently a graduate student pursuing her M.A. in cognitive-motor neuroscience. Peterman plans to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology leading to a career as a sports psychologist. Peterman is actively the co-director of the University of Maryland Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Peterman was a member of the Canadian National team from 2014-2016 where she competed in the 2016 Pacific Rim Championships helping team Canada to secure second place. In 2016 Peterman was one of 11 gymnasts selected to compete in the 2016 Olympic Trials for Canada.
The single most important reason for supporting Maryland women athletes is to give them experience that will serve them well in life. Performing on athletics teams gives women practical experience in what it means to be an effective leader and valuable team member. They learn what planning, hard work, preparation, winning and losing will do for team dynamics and performance. They better understand the importance of sportsmanship, integrity and fair play. Today’s women athletes have opportunities their predecessors did not, to use that learning to transition seamlessly from college teams to career teams. In sum, athletic team experience gives our women the tools to succeed in every role they assume in their chosen professions. Supporting these talented women with donations to the Terrapin Club empowers them to effectively and fearlessly use those tools for success in life.
Mary Perry’s association with Maryland Athletics and the Terrapin Club came through her relationship with Stuart Bowers, whom she refers to as her “better half.” A three-time graduate of Boston University, Mary’s career started in private practice after law school before joining the Air Force. She specialized in international and national security law, earned an LL.M. degree from UVA’s law school and provided strategic legal counsel in war rooms around the globe. Mary currently works for the Secretary of the Air Force, implementing policies that streamline Air Force management. Mary loves the connection she is able to make with the Field Hockey and Lacrosse student-athletes whose scholarships she and Stuart sponsor through their Director’s Circle level support of the Terrapin Club. They regularly make the trip to College Park from their home in Florida to cheer for their Terps.
Maryland Hall of Famer Irene Knox led Maryland's rifle team to consecutive National Championships in 1931 and 1932. She won the individual National Championship in 1932 hitting the bullseye with 119 of 120 shots. In 1933, she finished second nationally, missing out on second straight title by one point. In 1931, Knox placed third nationally. She also won the first indoor 50-foot National Open Championship. Knox said it was her eyesight that made her such a remarkable shooter. She was described by the Washington Star newspaper as "full o' pep and quite restless, a vivacious blonde,' crediting her far-sighted right eye for helping her locate the target with such remarkable accuracy. She capped her collegiate career by competing in the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first Maryland student-athlete to compete in the Olympics.
To me, you get everything that you earn and everything that you work for. And I want young ladies to know, dream big.
Kristi Toliver hit one of the biggest shots in Maryland Athletics history. Her shot heard around the world helped the Terrapins win the 2006 NCAA Championship. While at Maryland, she was named ACC Player of the Year and won the 2009 ACC title as well.
Since graduation, Kristi has continued to break barriers. She has won two WNBA Championships and is a two-time WNBA All Star. In 2018, the Washington Wizards hired her as an assistant coach.
I have had a front row seat to the many ‘firsts’ and accomplishments of our Fearless Terrapin women coaches and athletes. It has been an honor to work with the women coaches who laid the foundation for the enormous success of our programs. It has been a privilege to work with the many student-athletes who embraced hard work and teamwork with a no quit attitude. Together, they are the integral pieces of the rich, winning history of the women of Maryland Athletics. As a former student-athlete myself, there is special meaning in ‘Once a TERP, Always a TERP.’
Sandy Worth recently retired after 46 years of serving student-athletes as an athletic trainer. She was promoted to Head Athletic Trainer in 1992. Worth is still the first and only woman to serve as Head Athletic Trainer at an ACC school and the only woman to serve as the Head Athletic Trainer for football in the conference.
Worth has coordinated the medical care for hundreds of Terrapin athletes across several different sports. In 2014, Worth was inducted into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of her continued service and work with Maryland student-athletes.
Being a supporter for over 20 years, I have been a part of funding many Maryland Athletics initiatives. I feel, as does my husband, especially good about the support we provide to the women’s teams. The Women’s Basketball, Field Hockey and Women’s Lacrosse teams don’t necessarily attract the biggest crowds but they continually earn championship trophies. They certainly deserve our support. I remember at the Women’s Basketball championship in Boston in 2006, my daughter who was 6 years old at the time said, “women never lose.” That has stuck with me all these years. I wanted to encourage her that women can do as much as men in sports. That is why I give.
Tricia Green, a graduate of the University of Lynchburg, was born to a Terp and married one – her father wrestled for Maryland and her husband ran track. Tricia and her husband, Martin, have supported scholarships for student-athletes through their generous donations to the Terrapin Club for 24 years. While Tricia cheers for all Terrapin student-athletes, she is especially fond of the women’s basketball, field hockey and women’s lacrosse teams. Tricia and Martin have contributed major gifts to support facility renovation projects for her favorite teams. The women’s basketball office suite is named in their honor, and the hall of fame area to be constructed at the Field Hockey & Women’s Lacrosse Complex as a part of the Building Champions Campaign, will proudly be named for Tricia and her daughter, Caitlin.
Being a female student-athlete at Maryland has given me confidence and courage to step out of my comfort zone on and off the court and it has allowed me to travel nationwide and overseas to play on big stages. Through this platform, I've had courage to push my personal and physical limits and discover things about myself and others. I am inspired by my fearless teammates, coaches, and other athletes at Maryland and beyond. It gives me so much joy - and perspective - to come out of the locker room after a match and see girls of all ages waiting for me and my teammates. It is a reminder that we are ambassadors for our sport and inspire the next generation of players.
Maryland volleyball’s first-ever First Team All-Big Ten honoree, outside hitter Erika Pritchard has already left her mark on the program, even with her senior season yet to come. The Middletown, Maryland native was a highly touted recruit out of Middletown High School, ranking as high as No. 29 in the 2017 class. Pritchard, who has played in all 354 sets since joining the team, has established herself not only as one of the best outside hitters in the conference, but one of the best to ever play volleyball at Maryland. The two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree stands seventh on the all-time kill list, ninth on the career service aces list, and 11th on the all-time points list in the Maryland record books. A team captain and a leader through and through, Pritchard’s tenacity on the court is balanced by her fun-loving personality that brings joy to everyone around her.
I’m extremely fortunate to have been given this platform as a female athlete. It’s about us creating opportunities for younger women to make them say ‘when I get older I want to be there, I want to be doing what they are doing’. We have a voice that people listen to. We have to use our position to make sure we are fighting for equality.
The only lacrosse player to ever be a three-time Tewaaraton Award winner, given to the best player in the sport, Taylor Cummings has become one of the most influential women in the sport from the day she stepped foot in College Park in 2012. Helping lead Maryland to the 2014 and 2015 National Championships, Cummings is widely considered one of the best women to ever play lacrosse, attaining countless accolades. A three-time IWLCA National Midfielder of the Year, four-time All-American and the 2014-15 Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year, Cummings ranks top-five in Terrapin history in both points (323) and goals (229) and is Maryland’s all-time draw control leader, securing 509.
After graduating from Maryland, Cummings has continued to spread her lacrosse influence, creating Taylor Cummings Lacrosse, a company centered around providing high quality instruction through camps and clinics to grow the sport and coaching at McDonogh School, becoming the head coach this past season. Cummings has over 38,000 followers on Instagram and Twitter, inspiring youth throughout the country.
I am thankful that my coaches have fostered an environment where women athletes are constantly encouraged and pushed to be strong and confident. Track and field has allowed me to grow a lot. Winning meets and setting records are great accomplishments, however, I really matured as an athlete through the losses. Focusing on the technical aspects can make such a huge impact, sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.
I transferred to Maryland from UCLA and it was challenging. New coaches, new team, new city; it’s like going to college for the first time all over again. I needed to be closer to home, with coaches that I knew would challenge me in ways that I hadn’t been before. Since moving to College Park, I know that having a strong support system is key for me.
Hailing from Quebec, Canada, high jumper Mikella Lefebvre-Oatis came to Maryland because of never ending support and encouragement. A decorated student-athlete, Lefebvre-Oatis won bronze at the 2017 Junior PanAmerican Games in Trujillo, Peru and became the 2017 Canada Games High Jump Champion, marking the Canada Games' female high jump record holder with a 6'1" mark. Lefebvre-Oatis was also named the 2017 State Junior Female Athlete of the Year in Quebec. As one of Maryland's top-10 high jumpers, she earned the Honorable Mention All-American Honors at the 2019 NCAA Championships. She's currently in the honors program for sociology and a McNair Scholar, where she conducted research in her field of choice during the summer.
I support the Terrapin Club because of our phenomenal student-athletes who are amazing athletically, leaders in academia, and role models in the community. I strongly believe that people are more powerful when empowering each other, especially when women lift one another up. Because of this, I give to provide opportunities to our female student-athletes and encourage them to believe in themselves and their dreams and, in turn, others.
Linh Nguyen is a proud 2008 graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Sociology and also an academic citation from the CIVICUS program. She received her Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in Cyber Security in 2016 followed by a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security in 2017 from Loyola University Maryland. She currently works as a Cybersecurity Strategist for the Department of Defense. In her spare time, she serves as the Vice President of the Terrapin Club Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Terrapin Club New Generation Committee. She is also on the College of Behavioral & Social Sciences Alumni Network Board. Nguyen is a 13-year Terrapin Club member, giving back every year since her graduation in '08.
Fearless Turtle Women have courage, grit, charisma, talent and a deep rooted love for Maryland...Our Maryland. Female coaching pioneers, Dottie McKnight, Dr. Sue Tyler, Chris Weller, and Cindy Timchal, set the standard and excitement that is inherited inside a winning culture. Past present and future, every woman of Maryland Athletics' feasts from the table that was set by their vision. We are One Maryland.
Missy Meharg has been a fearless leader at Maryland for more than 35 years. She has built a program on inclusion, grit and passion for Maryland. Along the way, she has coached the Terrapins to seven NCAA Championships, 18 Final Fours and 26 conference titles.
Her student-athletes represent Maryland at the highest level, consistently earning national and academic honors. Meharg strongly believes that success in the classroom, on the pitch and in life balance each other.
