Maia Santa Monica is a business management major and an outside midfielder on the women’s soccer team. Although this past season was her second season with the team, it was her first year playing due to an early injury the year before. Maia shares what it’s like to be a student-athlete and why she chooses to begin each game with gratitude:
“During the season, my typical school day starts early, either at 8 or 9 a.m., with a couple more classes later. I usually have some free time between classes and after, which I use to tackle homework or study. I also fit in an hour or two of work on campus. Sometimes, before practice, we watch film to review our games from the weekend. Then it’s practice time from 4 to 6 p.m., where we work on our skills as a team.
“Something that I admire about Whitworth women’s soccer is that after every home game, win or lose, we always gather in a big circle in the middle of the field to pray. What I like most about this is that we always invite the opposing team to join us, and they mix with our circle. I think overall, it just shows great sportsmanship and brings us together to appreciate the game and the people around us.
“[Former teammate] Kalena Pfaeltzer ’23 has had an important personal impact on my Whitworth athletics experience, demonstrating to me what it truly means to be a leader, whether on or off the field. Before one of my first games back from my ACL injury, she also sent me a text saying, ‘Choose to have fun with a grateful heart for where you started and where you are today.’ Now, before every game, I make sure to take a moment and appreciate the journey that brought me to where I am and the reasons why I play.”
Worth a Look 