Addi Mack has quickly made her mark as a key player for the Maryland Terrapins in her inaugural season of college basketball. Just five games into her career, the rookie point guard has emerged as one of the team’s leading scorers. In a standout performance against Georgetown, Mack scored an impressive 23 points, hitting nearly 70% of her shots.
Mack’s journey from Minneapolis’ Minnehaha Academy to the University of Maryland has been marked by her determination and skill. “I just wanted to come in and bring a spark of energy,” she stated, highlighting her eagerness to contribute to the team. Her performance against Georgetown earned her increased playing time and her first career start at point guard during the recent matchup against Princeton. “Just knowing that my team and my coaches trust in me this early, I think it’s just a testament to how hard I’ve worked,” Mack added.
From High School Star to College Sensation
Before joining the Terrapins, Mack established herself as a formidable player at Minnehaha Academy, where she surpassed 4,000 career points, ranking second in Minnesota girls’ scoring history. Reflecting on her transition to college basketball, Mack remarked, “I feel like I just fit right in with the team right away. I don’t think there’s any sort of superiority complex with how old you are.”
As the Terrapins prepare for their first Big Ten Conference matchup against the Minnesota Gophers, Mack is eager to return home. “I’m so excited. I think that game has been on my calendar ever since we got it,” she noted. Mack plans to host her teammates at her home, allowing them a glimpse into her life in Minnesota. She anticipates a competitive game, especially as the Gophers are performing well this season.
The Maryland Terrapins have a storied basketball history, boasting 20 appearances in the NCAA March Madness tournament and securing a national championship in 2006. Mack has aspirations of contributing to another championship run. “The work’s not done. Our motto is, ‘the road to the Final Four,’ and we are on that road right now,” she said, projecting confidence about the team’s future.
Academic Aspirations Alongside Athletic Success
Mack’s achievements extend beyond the basketball court. On Monday, she was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, underscoring her dual commitment to athletics and academics. As a finance major, Mack has set ambitious academic goals, aiming to excel in her studies while pursuing her passion for basketball.
In a related note, Natalie Darwitz, a former Eagan hockey player who has transitioned into a successful role as CEO of the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame, recently shared her journey on the “WoMN in Sports” podcast. She discussed her remarkable career, including her experience as a three-time Olympic medalist and the upcoming 30,000-square-foot hall of fame museum in Minnesota.
As Addi Mack continues to impress both on and off the court, her story reflects the dedication and talent that define the Maryland Terrapins’ basketball program. The season ahead holds much promise, and fans eagerly await what this rising star will achieve.
