COLLEGE PARK, Md. — For Brenda Frese and her Maryland Terrapins, the notion of “chemistry” has become integral to their success this season. After a disappointing previous year, the Terrapins have kicked off the 2024-25 campaign with an impressive record, winning their first 11 games thanks to a roster featuring several new faces. Among the six players who have started games for Maryland, four are transfers who are experiencing their first season with the team. Although there were uncertainties regarding how well the new players would integrate, the early results have been encouraging, as the No. 8 Terrapins are set to face off against No. 19 Michigan State this Sunday.
“There’s so much to appreciate with our substantial roster changes, particularly being undefeated,” Frese noted, now in her 23rd season as head coach. “I am pleased with how well we’re managing to win games in various ways, and I really value our depth. Our focus remains on excelling at both ends of the court.” This marks Maryland’s strongest start since the 2018-19 season.
Forward Christina Dalce commented on the evolving dynamics of the team: “I can confidently say that our chemistry has significantly improved since the beginning of the season. With every practice and game, we continue to develop that connection.”
Frese and her squad have experienced the ups and downs of the transfer portal. After Angel Reese moved from Maryland to LSU and became a key player for the national champions, the Terrapins added talent in the form of Abby Meyers, Elisa Pinzan, Brinae Alexander, and Lavender Briggs. The team reached the Elite Eight during the 2022-23 season, marking their best performance in eight years.
Following the loss of two WNBA first-round picks, Meyers and Diamond Miller, Maryland made efforts to revamp the team last season, though the results were less favorable. Transfer Jakia Brown-Turner was a key scorer, but the team’s overall performance faltered, leading to a .500 record in the conference and a first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament.
In response, Frese again turned to the transfer portal, bringing in Dalce (Villanova), Kaylene Smikle (Rutgers), Saylor Poffenbarger (Arkansas), and Sarah Te-Biasu (Virginia Commonwealth). However, simply acquiring talented players isn’t enough; they must also blend well within the team and adjust to their new environment.
“We’re looking for players who are eager and driven,” Frese explained. “Our coaching staff is diligent in identifying the right individuals. We are selective in our recruitment to ensure we don’t end up with a roster that lacks diversity in playing styles. This approach adds unique and varied talents to our program.”
The incoming transfers are proving their value, with Smikle leading the team by averaging 17.7 points per contest. Meanwhile, Poffenbarger, who previously played for UConn before her stints at Arkansas and now Maryland, has risen to the top in rebounding.
“She puts in so much effort, and her determination inspires others to work hard too,” Dalce shared. “She brings a much-needed energy to our team.”
Highlighting their progress, Maryland’s most notable victory this season came against Duke at home in November. The Terps also secured a win against Purdue to open their Big Ten schedule. Now, they prepare to take on a Michigan State team that previously enjoyed an unbeaten record.
Following the matchup with the Spartans, Smikle will compete against her former team, Rutgers. The Terps will then face Iowa and Southern California in consecutive games, which are expected to reveal how competitive Maryland is in the Big Ten race.
For the moment, the atmosphere in Maryland’s program is positive and invigorating. “We aim to be the place where players who might not have had the college experience they expected can reignite their passion for the game,” Frese concluded. “That’s the heart of what we’re striving to achieve.”
