Maryland’s Field Hockey Heroes: All-You-Need-to-Know About DeBerdine and Klebasko
COLLEGE PARK, MD
In a development that will make sports fans everywhere rise from their sofas in a state of shock (or at least slowly coffee-slurp in surprised approval), two Terps have been graced with the hallowed title of being selected for the 2024 Big Ten All-Tournament Team! Drumroll, please… Emma DeBerdine and Alyssa Klebasko are the names to know!
Emma DeBerdine: The Midfield Marvel
The graduate midfielder, Emma DeBerdine, isn’t just controlling the midfield; she’s practically conducting a symphony out there! Having recently represented the United States at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – no big deal, right? – she’s back for her victory lap of a final year and boy, is she making it count. With a career that gives even the most hardened overachiever a run for their money, DeBerdine’s stats are an impressive mix of 74 points, 23 goals, and 28 assists across 93 games. Talk about a stat line that would make even the most fit of us reconsider our life choices!
Alyssa Klebasko: The Guardian of the Goal
Meanwhile, we have Alyssa Klebasko, the sophomore goalkeeper who makes defending look as easy as falling off a log – if that log was on fire and she had to do a handstand while juggling. Making the All-Tournament team for the second year running, she showcased her impressive skills with not one, not two, but a jaw-dropping six shutouts to her name this season. On her birthday, she put on a show against #9 ranked Michigan, racking up seven saves and solidifying herself as a top contender in the Big Ten. Her fierce determination and focused poise have made her a rising star despite her rookie status. Talk about a birthday gift! 🎉
The Road Ahead
And don’t think they’re done just yet! The Terps are gearing up for NCAA Tournament action starting Friday, November 15. More suspense than a mystery novel on overdrive, fans will have to wait for the NCAA’s selection show on Sunday night at 10:00 p.m. to find out their opponent, location, and broadcast details. Will DeBerdine and Klebasko lead their team to glory? Will the Terps finally become the reigning champions? Stay tuned folks, because it’s about to get interesting!
COLLEGE PARK, MD — Graduate midfielder Emma DeBerdine and sophomore goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko have both been recognized as members of the prestigious 2024 Big Ten All-Tournament Team, as announced by the conference on Sunday.
DeBerdine, a standout in controlling the midfield, played a pivotal role throughout the tournament weekend, showcasing her versatility and skill. After representing the United States in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she has returned to her alma mater for her final season of eligibility. With this latest accolade, she adds to her impressive resume that includes three All-Big Ten First Team honors. The talented athlete from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has started 92 of the 93 games she has participated in, accumulating a remarkable 74 points through 23 goals and 28 assists. Over her collegiate career, DeBerdine has been distinguished with multiple accolades, including two NFHCA All-American honors and now three selections to the All-Big Ten teams.
Alyssa Klebasko has proven to be a formidable presence in goal, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team for the second consecutive year. She demonstrated exceptional poise during critical moments, particularly in the match against No. 16 Iowa, where she made five crucial saves and celebrated her sixth shutout of the season, surpassing her previous season record from her freshman year. In a special performance on her birthday against No. 9 Michigan, Klebasko stood tall, recording a season-high of seven saves, finishing the weekend with a total of 12 saves. Earlier this week, she was also honored with a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team, highlighting her impressive contributions during the regular season. Currently, the sophomore goalkeeper ranks third in the conference with a goals against average of .960.
Maryland is set to resume action as they begin their NCAA Tournament journey on Friday, Nov. 15. The NCAA’s tournament selection show will provide the crucial details regarding the location, opponent, time, and broadcast information for their first-round game, scheduled for Sunday night at 10:00 p.m. on ncaa.com.
**Interview with Emma DeBerdine and Alyssa Klebasko: Maryland’s Field Hockey All-Stars**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Emma and Alyssa! Congratulations on your selection for the 2024 Big Ten All-Tournament Team! How does it feel to receive such a prestigious honor?
**Emma DeBerdine:** Thank you! It honestly feels incredible. Being recognized for the hard work that we put in, especially in such a competitive conference, is truly rewarding. It’s a great honor to be in such esteemed company and to represent our team.
**Alyssa Klebasko:** Absolutely! It’s especially exciting to be selected for the second consecutive year. I have put in a lot of effort to improve my game, and being acknowledged feels amazing. Plus, it’s always a joy to share these moments with teammates like Emma who inspire me every day.
**Editor:** Emma, you just returned from representing the United States at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. How has that experience influenced your approach to your final season at Maryland?
**Emma DeBerdine:** Competing at that level was a dream come true! It really emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and mental toughness. I’ve tried to bring that mindset back to our team and encourage everyone to elevate their play. It’s about making the most out of this last year, and I want to lead with that experience.
**Editor:** And Alyssa, you’ve had an impressive season as a goalkeeper with six shutouts! What strategies do you employ to stay focused during games, especially under pressure?
**Alyssa Klebasko:** It’s all about maintaining my composure and trust in my training. I focus on each play, take deep breaths, and remember to have fun. It really helps me stay in the moment. Plus, having a solid defense in front of me provides the extra confidence that I need.
**Editor:** With the NCAA Tournament around the corner, what are your thoughts on your team’s prospects going forward?
**Emma DeBerdine:** We’re really excited! We’ve been working hard all season, and I believe we have what it takes to make a deep run. The energy in our team is palpable, and we’re ready to face any challenge thrown our way.
**Alyssa Klebasko:** Exactly! The tournament is a whole new ball game, and I think we’re ready to show everyone what we’re made of. We have a great balance of experience and youth, and I feel confident in our preparation.
**Editor:** Thank you both for sharing your insights! We’ll be eagerly watching as the NCAA Tournament unfolds. Best of luck, and may you continue to make history on the field!
**Emma DeBerdine & Alyssa Klebasko:** Thank you! We appreciate it!
