JJ Suriano, the pivotal goalkeeper for the Maryland women's lacrosse team, has been recognized with the prestigious IWLCA Goalie of the Year award, marking her as the premier netminder nationally. This accolade caps off an exceptional junior year for Suriano, who was instrumental in her team's journey to the NCAA Tournament semifinals. Her performance also earned her the Big Ten Goaltender of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten honors, solidifying her status as a standout athlete in collegiate lacrosse.
Suriano, a Baltimore native, concluded her remarkable junior season by leading the nation with an impressive 227 saves. Her statistical dominance extended to the Big Ten conference, where she topped the charts in both save percentage, with a stellar .510, and saves per game, averaging 10.3. These achievements highlight her pivotal role in the team's defensive strength and overall success throughout the season.
Her recognition as Goalie of the Year places her among an elite group, as she is only the seventh player in Maryland's program history to receive this esteemed award. This honor underscores a tradition of excellence within the Maryland lacrosse program, with Emily Sterling being the most recent recipient in 2023. Suriano's consistent high-level play also earned her a spot on the 2026 Tewaaraton Award watchlist, eventually becoming a top-25 finalist for what is considered the Heisman Trophy of lacrosse.
Beyond the lacrosse field, there's been other notable news from Maryland's athletic department. Paul Jones II, a prominent first baseman for the Maryland baseball team, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. Jones leaves the program holding the record for the most RBIs recorded in a single game, a testament to his impact during his tenure. In basketball, former Maryland player Solomon Washington is set to participate in a workout with the New Orleans Pelicans, potentially reuniting with former teammate Derik Queen in the upcoming year. Additionally, the Maryland volleyball team has expanded its roster by signing Sara Toth, a talented setter hailing from Budapest, Hungary, further strengthening their international presence.
The athletic programs at the University of Maryland have seen a flurry of activity, from individual player achievements to significant roster changes. JJ Suriano's national recognition in women's lacrosse highlights the caliber of talent fostered at the institution, while movements in baseball and basketball signal a period of transition and future potential for other teams. The addition of an international recruit to the volleyball team further demonstrates the university's commitment to building competitive programs across various sports.
