Success seems to find Maya everywhere she goes. But life hasn't been a bed of roses for Maya and her biggest supporter, her mother. (9)
Maya discovered her love of basketball in 1997 at the age of 8. The young girl watched the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) player Cynthia play in the Olympics. (10)
Three years later her mother, Kathryn, was offered a better job in North Carolina. Kathryn decided to make the move from Missouri because North Carolina provided greater basketball opportunities. Sadly, in two months the company downsized, and Kathryn lost her job. She remembers, "(11)" Maya said the difficulties brought them closer, and she praises her mum. "She's more than a teammate. I know she's going to be on my side."
About a year later, the mother and the daughter moved to Georgia, where Maya continued to play basketball. In high school she had the opportunity to play basketball against some of the nation's best players. (12) Maya led her team to 125 victories and three state championships. During the time, she was named the national player of the year twice.
(13) Maya and her mother talked about these choices. With careful consideration, Maya chose the University of Connecticut.