Maryland men’s lacrosse attacker Jared Bernhardt named Tewaaraton finalist

There was a time after the initial COVID-19 shutdown when Jared Bernhardt believed his college career was over.

He was a senior then. Biding his time, hoping to return to college sports with a plan to play Division II football in the fall, Bernhardt joined Ferris State, a University in Michigan, for summer workouts. The plan never materialized and Ferris State’s season was canceled in the fall, so he went back home to Florida to pick the stick back up and train for a possible return to Maryland.

He announced his unexpected return in December and didn’t disappoint as the season went underway.

The All-American attackman wasted no time shattering every notable scoring record. Now a Tewaaraton finalist, Bernhardt not only broke two of the most coveted all-time scoring records at Maryland but he’s done so while being the top scorer with the nation. With 4.42 goals per game and 6.25 points per contest, Bernhardt has separated himself as a college legend and entered rarified air as one of Maryland’s best in year five. The Tewaaraton Award, which he seems to be a favorite for, might be icing on the cake for his career.

Even through all the recognition and accolades, his goal is to continue to help Maryland win one more national championship. Prior to the season’s start and throughout the season as he racked up Big Ten Player of the week awards and eventually the Big Ten Player of the Year honor, he made that sentiment very clear. The real goal for him is to win on Memorial weekend and walk away with his second national championship — an award he and his teammates can embrace.