Maryland women bring spark plug 16-year-old to NCAA tournament run

The Maryland Terrapins have a secret weapon. Her name is Sophie Rupolo. She’s 16 years old and — despite a rare genetic disorder — has become the squad’s inspiration as the team enters the NCAA Tournament fray on Saturday.

Rupolo has been a spark plug on the sideline for most of Maryland’s home games.

When coach Brenda Frese addresses the team before the game, Rupolo is there. She’s the first into the locker room at halftime and postgame, too, ready to greet the players who have become friends.

She’s been on hand for practices, holiday parties and birthdays, even hosting the fourth-seeded Terrapins for a dinner at her home earlier this month.

“She’s very kind. She has the best heart ever, and she’s really passionate,” Frese said. “She loves her Terps. She’s impacted so many lives just being who she is.”

Rupolo has Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects approximately one in 10,000 people worldwide, according to the Williams Syndrome Association. The disease can cause heart problems, developmental delays and mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities.

The nonprofit Team Impact matched Rupolo with the basketball team in June 2023. The organization pairs kids with disabilities with college teams in their area. It’s a win-win, according to Frese.

Rupolo signed a mock name, image and likeness deal thanks to Maryland. The Terrapins also awarded her her own jersey and a locker to use during home games. During her hangouts with the team, Rupolo will play games, make bracelets and watch movies with her favorite Terps.

She’s a part of the team.

Team Impact’s participating children get a confidence boost through one-of-a-kind connections with the team.

“It’s been amazing,” said Erin Rupolo, Sophie’s mother. “Just being kind of let in, it’s like we’re a part of their family.”

The student-athletes, like Maryland’s basketball team, get some priceless perspective in the exchange.

“When you see someone who’s been impacted by chronic diseases and different ailments, it makes your aches and pains seem pretty minimal compared to what she has to endure every day,” Frese said. “For them, there’s just great gratitude that they can be part of her life.”

The connection took some time, with Sophie Rupolo remaining largely reserved and sticking close to her mother during the first meetings. That didn’t last.

“The first time Sophie came, she was really painfully shy and nervous; now, she’ll go running into the locker room,” Frese said. “Her mom is like, ’Where did Sophie go?’ She had sprinted off the court to get to the locker room.”

Rupolo is an extrovert with no qualms about speaking her mind and reminding folks about her important spot on the squad. The “Energizer Bunny” award, which she earned for the loudest cheers at a game, only cemented that status.

“We’re able to go down the tunnel and go in the VIP entrance,” Erin Rupolo said. “But we were running late once, and Sophie said, ’I’m part of the team! I need to get down there! They need me!’ So, she definitely plays a role when she’s there.”

Sophie has had a courtside seat as the Terrapins strung together a season worthy of their 16th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

The Rupolos are a Maryland-loving family. Both of Sophie’s parents attended the school, as did her maternal grandfather. Loving the Terrapins is in her blood.

“I think it’s cooler for me than it is for her. She loves hanging out, but it’s so nonchalant. She’s chill about it,” Erin Rupolo said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m more starstruck than she is.”

Sophie Rupolo will be at the Xfinity Center on Saturday to see No. 4 Maryland take on No. 13 Norfolk State. She’s hoping for a deep run.

She isn’t the only one who said she’s feeling the pre-tournament butterflies.

“I feel like a kid at Christmas when those brackets unfold and you see your name and being able to host,” Frese admitted.

The Terrapins are looking to return to the Sweet Sixteen for the fourth time in five seasons after a first-round exit last year.

Sophie Rupolo said she’ll be proud of the squad regardless of the results, though.

“My favorite part is just being with my family,” she said.

Her mother noted that the 16-year-old wasn’t referring to her parents and brother, but to the basketball squad that has adopted her as one of their own.

“I don’t want it to end,” Erin Rupolo said.