YOUSSIF HEMIDA
Wrestling
• Overcame death of mother and grandfather before the season started.
• Earned a silver medal at the U23 World Championships, which was his first international competition.
• Won five consecutive matches to place third at the Big Ten Championships.
• Placed sixth at the NCAA Championships to earn All-American status for the second consecutive season.
ALEX McKAY
Women's Lacrosse
R-Sr., Ellicott City, Md.
• Flourished on Maryland’s National Championship winning squad after overcoming severe depression that forced him to return home and miss the entire 2016 season.
• Battled with depression during his first year in College Park in 2015 before returning home. Came back and played sparingly in 2017 revealing his mental health story to his teammates in Maryland’s trip to England in spring 2018. Had a breakout campaign in 2018, scoring four goals and adding three assists during the Terps’ run to a national title.
• One of Maryland’s most outgoing and joyful players, who consistently impresses teammates and coaches with his mentality and support of his fellow teammates. Also overcame physical injury during the course of the 2018 season.
• Is now committed to speaking openly on the subject of mental health in sports and has served as an inspiration for others dealing with similar issues.
KATIE MYERS
Volleyball
• Came back from two straight season-ending ACL injuries in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons to be a captain and one of the team’s best players in the 2018 season.
• Started from day one and led the team in both aces (53) and blocks (122) and was third on the team with 210 kills
• Led the Big Ten with 53 aces
• First ever Terp to make the USA Collegiate National Team after trying out in March and will play with the National Team in Japan this summer.
ROMAN PUGLISE
Men's Lacrosse
So., Lorton, Va.
• Close friend and high school teammate, Gus Lee, a member of the Richmond Football team, tragically took his own life in December.
• Honored Gus during Maryland’s lacrosse game vs. Richmond on Feb. 9, wearing his high school number (#23), to honor his legacy and raise awareness for suicide prevention.
• Has gone on to play best lacrosse of his career, twice being named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
• Plans to use platform as Division I lacrosse player to raise awareness and begin difficult conversations about depression and suicide.
Track & Field
Sr., Chandler, Ariz.
• Severe Appendix surgery this fall had him in the hospital for more than two weeks
• Had to work his way back from this setback after he was stable
• Opened up his outdoor season with strong performance in High Jump
• NCAA All-American High Jump (Tied for School Record)
Women's Basketball
Jr., Nutley, N.J.
• Tore her ACL last January and was the team’s second leading scorer at 13.8 points per game. Was also leading the Big Ten in three-point percentage at 44.4 percent.
• Returned this year and started in 32 of 34 games and averaged 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 36.1 percent from outside the arc.
• Helped team to record of 29-5, 15-3 in Big Ten play, Big Ten regular season title and second straight NCAA Second Round appearance.