This article was written by Griffin Callaghan for the Red & Black. To view the original article, click here.
Georgia senior Mary Terry receives a hug after her final jump. The University of Georgia hosted several teams and independent athletes for a second day of competition for its third Torrin Lawrence Memorial meet April 27, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo/ Kathryn Skeean)
Georgia track and field’s Mary Terry is more than an athlete. She’s shown her abilities on the track but even more impressively, in the community. Terry’s intense passion to serve has brought recognition as she continues to give back selflessly.
Born as a quintuplet, Terry learned valuable lessons growing up that many children never experience.
“I really learned how to share and give my time to other people,” Terry said. “I think that relates to my drive for community service because my mom always taught me to give to people as a foundation.”
Terry has established quite the foundation for serving her community. In addition to hovering around NCAA preliminary qualification, she is involved in multiple service organizations.
Through the University of Georgia’s College of Education, Terry is the co-community service chair and frequently aids in coordinating programs designed to give back to the community. She also takes part in Rolling Ridge, an after-school program mentoring young students in some of the most crime-ridden neighborhoods in Athens. Those are just a few.
She uses this platform to stress the importance of both education and running to youth as she has seen the benefits first hand. Through Rolling Ridge, Terry’s mentees have been given an opportunity to see places like Georgia’s intramural fields and the track.
Terry expects to continue her pursuit in helping children grow as she intends to be in education. She was accepted into a master’s program for educational administration and policy in June.
Despite being excited to begin the next chapter of her life, she still finds herself sentimental about the end of her final season on eligibility.
“It’s definitely a mixture of emotions,” Terry said. “This is where I’ve been for the past four years and it’s gone by super fast. Just looking back, it’s been so awesome to see everything we have accomplished as a team and in the community.”
With the Torrin Lawrence Memorial in late April being her final home meet as a Bulldog, Terry had her whole family there to support as she cleared 1.65 meters on her first attempt in the high jump.
Terry’s head coach, Petros Kyprianou, expressed how happy he was to have the opportunity to coach her. She impressed Kyprianou both on and off the track with her brilliant balance of priorities.
The balance between student and athlete is often very difficult for athletes in high-profile programs. Terry took it one step further by adding community service to the mix.
“Just her drive and determination,” Kyprianou said. “That is really what caught my attention and I really have a lot of respect for her and her ability to remain really calm and a true stoic in life and athletics.”
