Maya Hottinger '27 Recruiting Profile

I am a freshman playing JV at Ursuline Academy in Dallas, Texas. I also play libero/defensive specialist for Dallas Premier Volleyball Club. Coaches love my athleticism, leadership, communication, versatility, grit, coachability, and team focus. I have always loved all competitions and played many sports, but the team aspect of volleyball makes it my favorite. At nine, I joined a national team. I've had experience playing in all positions, but my favorite is the Libero. I love Libero's mental, physical, and leadership challenges. Learning to shake off my mistakes to help the team set up the next play is rewarding, and I love the adrenaline rush of the hustle play to cover the unexpected.

My ultimate goal is to play college volleyball. Growing as a player and person by being part of a team and playing in college has been a lifelong dream. Volleyball has provided me with amazing friends. Teammates are like family, I credit them and coaches for teaching me valuable life skills. I always seek ways to improve through training @erinaltheics or other sports.

My philosophy is to embrace every moment with my team, even the bad ones, and learn and grow. Volleyball is a game of ups and downs, and learning to deal with both is essential.

My mom was a collegiate athlete and a 2x Academic All-American. She believes sports taught her the life skills to be successful. She reminds me that although I love volleyball, I will be a professional something, and likely not a volleyball player, after college. She emphasizes that 94% of c-suite women were athletes at one point and that 54% were in college. Why? For young women particularly, sports teach confidence, which translates to careers and life. At higher levels of competition, women learn discipline, dedication, grit, goal setting, failing and trying again, leadership, and my favorite, team. Career and life skills you internalize in women's sports. Volleyball is not just a sport. It's also a teacher of life skills.

In preparing for the challenges of collegiate life as an athlete, where Academics and Athletics need to be balanced, I have already challenged myself with three honors classes, which is unusual for athletes due to the rigor and a college prep high school. I'm also engaged in community service through 3 clubs and, importantly, friends. My robust schedule keeps me motivated and happy. Thus far, I am balancing many facets of high school life: academics, clubs, community service, and sports; without sports, most importantly volleyball, my life and personality would not be the same.