As the final buzzer sounded, players on the bench quickly grabbed the large signs from Maryland Athletics officials that spelled out ‘600 Wins’ and mobbed head coach Missy Meharg in celebration of her historic accomplishment.
“We are all just really proud to be her team and being coached by someone with that many wins it’s just so impressive,” midfielder Emma DeBerdine said.
Meharg’s 600th career win is just one of the many accomplishments she has accumulated throughout her legendary career at Maryland.
After the 1987 season Meharg replaced another legendary coach in Sue Tyler, the only other Maryland field hockey coach in the program’s history.
Now 34 years later, Meharg has become the third Division 1 coach to win 600 games joining Nancy Stevens the former coach of UConn and North Carolina’s current coach Karen Shelton.
Over her 34-year coaching career, Meharg has won seven National Championships, 26 conference titles, and nine National Coach of the Year awards. Meharg has also coached 56 All-Americans.
“I’m only in this position because I’ve had the best athletes to coach,” Meharg said. “I’ve had a great school that has supported me and my staff and these players in every way from start to finish.”
This accomplishment was even more special for Meharg as it was Maryland field hockey’s annual alumni weekend. Dozens of her former players attended the game including 12 members of the 2011 National Championship team, who were honored at halftime.
“It’s lovely having them here today (on Sunday) and it was nice to be able to give them some wonderful gifts,” Meharg said.
One current player is honored to be a part of this historic achievement.
“It’s so awesome to be coached by her,” defender Riley Donnelly said. “I mean 600 wins doesn’t happen by accident, she’s really created a culture at Maryland where people want to be the best of the best.”
Meharg hopes to add to her legacy as the Terps prepare for their final three regular season matches and the Big Ten Tournament at Rutgers the first weekend in November.
