Junior Maya Justice manages being a two sport varsity athlete and staying focused in school. Despite being torn between soccer and track for her post-high school journey, Justice realized her dream of pursuing both. Recently, she committed to Kent State University, where she will play Division 1 soccer and compete in track and field. Demonstrating her excellence both athletically and academically, Justice maintains a balanced lifestyle.
Why did you decide to continue track and soccer following high school?
Both of these sports have been a huge part of my life for so many years now and I honestly couldn’t imagine giving either up, so I picked both!
What position do you play in soccer and what events do you run in track? Are there any positions or events that you wished you did?
I’m a forward in soccer and I mainly long jump and run the 4×100, 4×200, 4×400. I think maybe trying some different events like an 800 would be fun.
Who has motivated you in your sports/academic career and how?
I mainly have motivated myself because I know how far I could go if I put my mind to it and really focus hard both academically and athletically. I will continue to push myself to become the best I can be.
Have you played for any other teams than Woodhaven and how has that influenced your decision for college?
Yes, I currently play on a club team in Ohio called GTFC Impact and I feel like it has really helped me gain more higher-level experience, as well as more publicity with colleges. Without playing clubs, I feel like I would not truly see my potential to be a college athlete.
What are you most looking forward to in your senior year?
I’m super excited to be able to lead my teams and teach all of the underclassmen new things. I’m also excited to try and give them the best experience on this team and leave it better than I found it. Influencing younger athletes to find their love for the sports I do is my goal.
What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Probably staying mentally focused because I tend to overthink small things I’ve done in past games and dwell on it. I started creating small goals for myself that weren’t unachievable which allows me to focus on the positive after games/meets and feel much more accomplished.
How do you balance sports, extracurriculars, grades, and social life? What advice would you give underclassmen going through the same thing?
Honestly, all I really do is go to practices and school so I don’t really have a social life. I don’t mind it though because even if I had the choice to go hang out with people all day I would still pick all of my teammates and stay around them. Some advice is to just do what makes you happy. You don’t have to go out every night and hang out with people. If you truly enjoy being at practices and staying active, then do it because eventually your teammates are people who you won’t always get to play/be with forever.
What would you tell your younger self now as you’re going into your senior year?
I would probably tell myself that everything eventually works out super well and not to stress out about the little things – Just enjoy life.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
Probably still involving myself in track/soccer somehow, whether it’s going to a higher level or coming back and coaching. Either way I would be heavily involved in one or both of these sports
What is your favorite quote and how does it relate to this time in your life?
Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. Failing leads to success, never give up, aim high!
