An Open Letter to Maryland and the Terrapins Community
From Tafara Gapare
College Park, Maryland —
To the entire Maryland Terrapins family,
As I sit down to write this, my heart is full. It’s hard to put into words just how much this past year has meant to me—but I’ll try.
From the moment I arrived at the University of Maryland, I felt something special. I came here with dreams, with hope, and with a determination to grow—on the court and off it. What I found was more than just a program. I found a family, a home, and a community that embraced me for who I am and believed in who I could become.
To Coach Williams and the coaching staff—thank you for seeing potential in me. Thank you for challenging me to be better every day, for giving me the tools and guidance to develop as a player, and for always holding me to a high standard. Your trust meant the world to me, and it pushed me to elevate not only my game but also my mindset.
To my teammates—you are more than just fellow players. You’re brothers. We’ve been through it all together—long practices, tough losses, big wins, and all the little moments in between that only we will understand. I’ll carry those memories with me wherever I go.
To the fans—what can I say? You showed up every single game. You filled Xfinity Center with energy, pride, and passion. Hearing the crowd roar, seeing you wear my jersey, getting messages of support from people I’d never even met—it meant more than you’ll ever know. You reminded me why I play this game.
To the Maryland community—thank you for making me feel like I belonged. Whether it was in the classroom, around campus, or walking through town, the love and encouragement I received were genuine. You gave me an environment where I could learn, mature, and become a better version of myself.
This past season taught me more than I could have imagined. It taught me about perseverance, about faith, and about family. And as I look toward the future—wherever that path may lead—I do so with a deep sense of gratitude for this place and its people.
Maryland will always be a part of my story. Thank you for being part of my journey.
With all my love and respect,
Tafara Gapare