“Congratulations to our remarkable Hall of Fame class of 2024,” said Barry P. Gossett Athletic Director Damon Evans. “This is a great class of Hall of Famers, including Terps who were National Players of the Year in their respective sports and others who were first to achieve in their sport. Each of these Terps has made an undeniable impact on Maryland Athletics both on and off the field. We look forward to celebrating this outstanding class and recognizing their academic and athletic achievements.”
Autumn Welsh Kelly of Maryland Field Hockey will be the 18th…th Member of the historic field hockey program inducted into the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame. Autumn Welsh Kelly won the prestigious Honda Award in 2001, recognizing her as the nation’s best female athlete in her sport. She was the first Terrapin field hockey student-athlete to receive the award and only the second female athlete in school history. Welsh Kelly was also a key member of the 1999 NCAA championship team. In 1999, the Terps captured the school’s third national field hockey title and second under the Hall of Fame head coach Missy MehargThe Terps went 24-1 this year and were undefeated in ACC play, while Maryland also captured the program’s third ACC conference title.
During her career at Maryland, Autumn Welsh Kelly appeared in the NCAA Tournament four times and reached the Final Four three times. She was named All-American twice and was selected to the first team in 2001 and the second team in 2000. A four-time All-Regional selection, Welsh Kelly was named ACC Player of the Year in 2001 and earned All-ACC honors three times from 1991-2001. A dominant defender, she played a crucial role in helping the Terps post 39 shutouts in her four-year career.
“She really deserves it. Autumn was one of the strongest defenders I have ever worked with. Her ability to get to the ball before the opponent was unmatched,” said head coach Missy Meharg. “Her ability to lead from her position as a centre-back was brilliant. She loved the game and had a great pedigree. She is a remarkable woman and an incredible leader.”
Established in 1982 by the M Club and developed in conjunction with the Athletic Department, the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes those outstanding Terrapin athletes, coaches and administrators who have made significant contributions to the honor and glory of the University of Maryland and who have continued to demonstrate the positive values they have acquired through competition in collegiate athletics. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor the University can bestow.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner following at 6:30 p.m. For ticket information, please call the M Club office at 301-314-6394 or visit here.
