The Maryland Terrapins are about as close to field hockey royalty as you can get and AstroTurf is just about as legendary as a brand can be, so their long, successful partnership seems to be a natural fit. Maryland has once again chosen AstroTurf, the brand that changed the sport of field hockey, to provide their field hockey program with a premium playing surface.
Maryland has one of the most accomplished field hockey programs in the country with 23 consecutive NCAA appearances, 12 Conference Tournament Championships, and 8 National Championships. For a program with this type of continuity of success, it is important to keep all of the elements of the formula at that same high level and the field is no exception. The Terrapins chose to go with the AstroTurf System 90 once again, which combines the traditional knitted nylon top cloth with a 3/8-inch Armacell pad.
AstroTurf fields have long been regarded as the unequivocal standard for field hockey performance and are the favorite among coaches and players alike for their playability, durability and low maintenance requirements. The knitted nylon surface is unique to AstroTurf and preferred because it provides tight tolerances, non-directional play and a uniform surface. It’s no wonder AstroTurf is recognized as the Official Artificial Surface Provider of both USA Field Hockey and the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, as well as a preferred supplier for FIH.
Another legendary figure that is integral to this story is Maryland Coach, Missy Meharg. The 9 time National Coach of the Year was certain that she wanted this tremendous relationship to continue. “For me and the Maryland Terrapins, it is AstroTurf only. The lifeline coupled with the non-directional nylon component provides the consistent ball playability that all players love. It’s easy for our national and FIH level athletes to showcase their brand on the best hockey playing surface in the world. Thank you Maryland and thank you AstroTurf,” said Meharg.
AstroTurf and Maryland Field Hockey have been intertwined for decades. Not only have the Terrapins played their home games on AstroTurf, all of their national championships have been won on an AstroTurf pitch. It’s hard to talk about D1 field hockey history without mentioning a premium program like Maryland or the dominant brand of AstroTurf. The Terrapin’s continuity of success and AstroTurf’s commitment to the game gives assurance that the two will enjoy a great relationship going forward.
“We could not be more pleased with the trust that the University of Maryland has placed in us,” said AstroTurf Director of Field Hockey Andy Belles. “We take great pride in what we do, and having an elite coach like Missy Meharg return as a satisfied customer helps us know that we are doing the right things.”
Maryland’s procurement of the brand new field was made possible by AstroTurf’s association with Sourcewell. Sourcewell (formerly NJPA) is a government agency empowered by state statute to serve its public-sector membership. Sourcewell is a market leader with a track record of innovation and growth across all its services. The co-op’s strong buying power and solid reputation help bring world-class brands, well-regarded programs, and nationally respected experts to its membership.