Maya Ahlden '21 Recruiting Profile

I have played soccer for eleven years and initially started because I had watched my older sister play for her schools teams, and I was able to gain insight on how many different experiences she received. Sports has always been in my family, as both my parents dedicated their lives to some type of physical activity. However, when I started playing soccer, all I wanted to do, was be like my sister. Now it has become a part of my life, which I am forever grateful for. 

My family and I move around every three years, exposing me to different cultures and places in the world. The most difficult aspect of moving, is leaving my friends behind. However, soccer, is a community that you always can find your place in. No matter where I lived, my priority was, finding a team where I could reach my highest potential, while learning new skills and growing as a player and person. The sport has taught me leadership skills, taking responsibility for mistakes, being patient with oneself and with your teammates, and most importantly being resilient. My biggest strength as a player, is that I am coachable. Without constant feedback, and applying that feedback, it is extremely difficult to improve. With my track and field background, I am a speedy player, and love running down the side line in a one-to-one race with the opposing player. My swimming experience, has helped me build a stronger upper body, which aids me in 1v1 and being more confident while holding the ball.  

Outside of the field, I place great importance in maintaining my GPA and participating in my school community, by either being part of student government of a representative as a student ambassador. My athletic life is not be the only component that I prioritize, as life should be balanced, in order to fully enjoy it. The International Bachelor, the program in which I am studying under, requires hard work and organized time management, making the schedule of a student-athlete even harder to manage. With the constant support from my coaches, teammates and especially my family, I am able to reach all my academic and athletic goals.

My end goal, is to play at university, where I can study in the field that I am most interested in, getting a good education, and am able to push myself in order to become the best player I can possibly be.