Maia Jurincic '22 Recruiting Profile

Since the age of fours years old, I learned how to play soccer from one of the best coaches throughout my young career, my dad.  My dad played varsity soccer at McMaster University, Ontario, Canada and then in 1984, he was offered scholarships and recruited by Oakland University, Pontiac Michigan and Philadelphia Textile, Pennsylvania.  Needless to say, he has inspired me to be passionate about the game, discover, and leverage my athletic talent. Through soccer, I have learned how to be a strong leader, effective team player, and great communicator.  I have also developed excellent time management skills, I work hard, and I am dedicated and committed to everything I do, both on the field and in the classroom.  I know that nothing comes easy in life, at least not for me...if I want to see results, I need to put the time and effort in, prepare, be confident, and the rest will come.  For me, soccer practice or preparing for a game is no different than studying for an exam - I want to be great and excel in both.  Every day I am reminded of what I want and what I need to do when I wake up to my goals posted on my bedroom wall - 93% average and D1 college soccer.  I recognize that I cannot have one without the other which is why I strive to be a scholar-athlete.  Soccer has been my motivation to become a better student and in order to continue to play the game I love, I need to be an excellent student.

Fortunately, soccer has also allowed me to develop resiliency and adversity.  In academics and in sport, I have experienced negative situations, mistakes, set-backs, and even losses.  However, over the years, my parents have taught me that mishaps will happen and they are a part of life.  How I choose to deal with the mishap is the most important aspect to my life.  These are real lessons in life and a valuable skillset that I continue to develop which will serve me well today and into my professional years.