Maher (Mari) Bigley '12 Recruiting Profile

I will graduate from a mid-sized Pennsylvania high school as a honor roll student with 12 varsity letters in three sports -- basketball, field hockey, track & field -- having been a starter in each sport since my freshman year. Now in my senior year, I am a three time conference all star center midfielder in field hockey. Every year I have led my track team in points, medaled at Districts, and competed in PIAA State Championships. But basketball is my bigger passion. Since freshman year, I have been the varsity team's starting point guard and played the role of floor general and support player. I have good game sense and can easily see plays developing. I create opportunities for other people. I am short, fast, tenacious, and athletic. Freshman year I led the team in steals, assists, and drawing charges. Sophomore year I missed much of the season because I had mono. Junior year I was the  3-point leader and second highest scorer as well as leading the team in steals and assists. I am the player that Coach starts and leaves in. I have the drive, energy and skills to make it happen for a team.

My AAU coach taught me that defense wins games and I take that to heart. Beginning with the very first varsity game freshman year, my coach has tasked me with guarding the other team's most dangerous player, regardless of size.

 In addition to my skills, I can offer a college team my sense of humor, my support, and my leadership. I am used to being the youngest player on a team and easily deal with various personalities and egos. You will find me to be a very coachable and determined player.

While playing basketball is important to me, my goal for attending college is to get a quality education that will prepare me for success in whatever field I ultimately choose. Currently my interests are varied, from sports psychology to pre-law. I want to attend a small to medium sized college/university where professors are accessible and know me by name. I am most interested in colleges in Pennsylvania and the eastern United States, but that's only because that geographic region is most familiar to me. I am open to other areas, settings, and all divisions in the NCAA and NAIA.