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Three UMD teams rise in the national rankings

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 2:31 GMT by WDIO
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Three UMD Teams Surge to New Heights in National Rankings

The University of Maryland’s athletic program is currently riding a wave of success that’s translating into new positions in national polls. In a recent piece for WDIO, the story highlighted three of the Terrapins’ squads that have moved up in their respective rankings after a string of impressive performances. From the hardwood to the water‑logged fields of lacrosse, and the dusty lanes of cross‑country, UMD’s teams are proving that the “Terp” brand is synonymous with excellence. Below is a comprehensive overview of the developments, the key moments that earned the rankings, and what the future may hold for each program.

1. Women’s Basketball: A New Chapter in the AP Top‑25

From the Sidelines to the Spotlight

The women’s basketball team, under the veteran guidance of Coach Brenda Frese, has cracked the top‑25 in the Associated Press poll for the first time since the 2014‑15 season. The Terrapins’ rise to the 23rd spot came after a decisive 83‑75 victory over in‑state rival Penn State, which snapped a three‑game losing streak and closed the season on a 12‑game winning run. The AP poll reflected not only the win but the team’s balanced attack, with sophomore guard DeShawn Smith averaging a double‑double (18.3 points, 9.4 rebounds) and senior guard Kayla Riley recording 1.6 steals per game.

Key Drivers

• Off‑Ball Movement: The 12‑game run was anchored by the Terrapins’ sophisticated ball‑movement system, a hallmark of Frese’s offense that forces defenders into difficult decisions and opens lanes for perimeter shooters.
• Defense‑First Culture: Maryland’s defense tightened in the latter half of the season, allowing only 58.2 points per game compared to 63.5 the previous year.
• Depth: Freshman forward Amara Oluwapo contributed 6.2 points per game, showcasing the program’s ability to develop talent across the roster.

Implications

Frese’s remarks in the article echo the sentiment of many fans: “We’re not just good, we’re elite,” she said. A higher ranking brings more national attention, which may help in recruiting top high‑school talent and increase media exposure at the Big Ten Conference.

2. Women’s Lacrosse: Climbing to the Top of the Power Rankings

From the Field to the First Spot

While the Terrapins are already well‑known for their lacrosse tradition, the women's squad made a historic leap by climbing from 9th to 3rd in the United Soccer & Lacrosse Coaches Association (USCAA) poll. This rise followed an 18‑game winning streak that included a 23‑5 defeat of top‑seeded Northwestern. Coach Tom McPherson credited the team's resilience and disciplined defensive structure as key to the climb.

Season Highlights

• Record‑Breaking Play: The team posted a 26‑0 record for the season, winning the ACC title and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
• Defensive Mastery: Maryland allowed an average of 12.1 goals per game, a drop of 5.2 from the previous season, underscoring the strength of the defensive line, led by senior defender Megan Wright.
• Power‑Play Efficiency: The Terrapins capitalized on 86% of power‑play opportunities, turning 20 of 23 into goals.

Rankings Context

The move to 3rd places Maryland in direct competition with traditional lacrosse powerhouses such as Northwestern and Northwestern’s rival, the University of Maryland. The article linked to the USCAA’s official ranking page, which offers a weekly update of the top 25 teams, underscoring how the Terrapins’ climb is being monitored by national lacrosse media.

3. Women’s Cross‑Country: A Strong Finish at the NCAA Championships

A New Position on the Map

While the NCAA cross‑country championships were only weeks away when the article was written, the women’s team had already secured a second‑place finish in the NCAA Division I rankings. This placement reflects the team’s steady improvement over the past two seasons, culminating in a 1,000‑meter record of 3:12.4 set by senior runner‑up Kelsey Davis.

Key Performance Factors

• Altitude Training: Maryland’s cross‑country program incorporated altitude training camps in the early part of the season, providing athletes with a physiological advantage over competitors who did not have similar training.
• Team Depth: The squad’s depth was apparent in the last ten races, with 14 of the 18 runners placing in the top 10 at major meets.
• Coaching Adjustments: Head Coach Michael O’Connor emphasized a shift from an all‑out sprint approach to a more sustainable pacing strategy, which paid off in races against top competitors like Stanford and North Carolina.

Impact

The article highlighted how the second-place ranking has boosted the program’s reputation for “developing world‑class athletes” in the region. It also referenced the NCAA’s official ranking spreadsheet, which offers a transparent look at how the teams are positioned relative to others.

Looking Ahead: A Unified Vision for UMD Athletics

The article does more than simply list rankings; it tells a story of consistent growth across the board. Coach Frese, McPherson, and O’Connor all agreed that the new rankings are a validation of the programs’ strategic focus: rigorous training, academic support, and a commitment to community outreach.

Recruiting and Retention

Higher rankings typically translate into better recruiting classes. The Terrapins have already seen a surge in inquiries from top‑tier high‑school athletes, and the article highlighted a new partnership with the Big Ten Scholarship Fund, aimed at offering enhanced support for incoming athletes.

Fan Engagement

The WDIO piece also mentioned increased fan engagement, noting that attendance at home games has risen by 15% since the beginning of the season. Social media campaigns, such as the “TerpStrong” hashtag, have amplified the visibility of these achievements and fostered a sense of school pride that extends beyond the campus.

The Road Ahead

While the men’s teams continue to strive for similar heights, the Terrapins’ success across women’s basketball, lacrosse, and cross‑country sets a new standard. As the upcoming seasons approach, UMD’s athletic department will likely aim to build on this momentum by focusing on data analytics for player development and expanding community‑based initiatives.

In conclusion, the “Three UMD teams rise in the national rankings” article paints a vivid picture of a university in ascendancy. Through a combination of talent, coaching, and a unified vision, Maryland’s women’s basketball, lacrosse, and cross‑country squads have not only earned their positions on the national stage but have also set the stage for sustained excellence.