Christina Pernia Class: Junior Hometown: Burtonsville, Md. High School: Montgomery Blair Height: 5-2 Position: Back/Midfield Experience: SQ

On Pernia: A hard-working, dedicated student-athlete who brings a lot of versatility to the program ... will compete to play on the right side in the midfield or backfield … possesses a work ethic that accommodates the team’s goals.

As a freshman in 2001: Saw game action in two contests, logging minutes in Terp victories against Virginia Commonwealth (Oct. 13) and Drexel (Oct. 28) … one of 10 Terps listed on the 2001-02 ACC Honor Roll.

Before Maryland: A field hockey and softball all-star at Montgomery Blair … named high school’s Outstanding Female Athlete in 2001 … earned invites to conference all-star games in both sports as a senior … named most outstanding senior as a forward/midfielder in hockey … earned same recognition as a second baseman and pitcher in softball, while leading her team in stolen bases and runs scored … traveled to the NFHCA National Indoor Tournament with her club hockey team, the Steve Simpson-coached Washington Wolves.

Personal: Born April 9, 1983 … Christina is the daughter of Robin and Mark Pernia … has one sister, 15-year-old Kelly … uncle, James Shaffer, was a four-year Maryland football letterwinner from 1976-79 … Shaffer played defensive end and was a recipient of the 1979 Terrapin Club Award and the Defensive Lineman Coaches Award in 1980 … Terps were ACC football champions in 1976 and winners of the Hall of Fame Bowl in 1977 … aunt, Beverly Gardiner, played Terrapin lacrosse in its second season of existence in 1975 … her grandfather, Bernard Dodder, was a founding member of the M Club … a biological resources engineering major … admitted to the university honors program.

Pernia Up Close
I came to Maryland because: I love the people here, especially those involved in athletics. Proximity to home, my sister, and the Honors Program are definitely a bonus as well.
The best thing about Maryland is: Everyone is an individual – or at least, they can be.
Favorite quote: “Don’t frown, you never know who’s falling in love with your smile.”
What do you want to accomplish this season? Grow and strengthen our team by incorporating our large freshman class into an already incredible group of girls.
After Maryland, I’d like to: obtain a graduate degree, live briefly in Manhattan, and then start a family.