Featured Athlete: Maya Jain

Grade: 11 | Sport: Basketball

Sophomore+Maya+Jain+dribbles+a+ball+under+leg%2C+just+days+before+heading+to+the+girls+state+varsity+basketball+tournament.+Playing+basketball+since+the+age+of+4%2C+Jain+cites+her+family+and+teammates+as+her+biggest+motivation.

Sophomore Maya Jain dribbles a ball under leg, just days before heading to the girls’ state varsity basketball tournament. Playing basketball since the age of 4, Jain cites her family and teammates as her biggest motivation.

Wingspan: What inspired you to start basketball?

Jain: “My mom started me in basketball when I was about 4 because my two older brothers had played and she wanted me to play some sports. She put me into a camp that did all sports like basketball, golf and t-ball.”

Wingspan: What keeps you motivated to stay in the sport?

Jain: “Really my family and all the experiences I’ve had playing the game and the people I’ve played with.”

Wingspan: What is the most difficult aspect about playing basketball?

Jain: “Not getting caught up in the moment of things and just staying composed and being prepared for anything.”

Wingspan: What is the biggest benefit of playing the sport?

Jain: “Getting to play with some great people and making those relationships with them and having that connections on and off the court.”

Wingspan: What’s it like being on a team?

Jain: “It’s a lot of fun because we’ve made really close relationships these past two years so we just always enjoy being around each other.”

Wingspan: What pumps you up or motivates you before a game?

Jain: “When coach Reedy talks to us right before we go out and warm up because we get this spark of energy and hype.”

Wingspan: What is your pre-game ritual?

Jain: “Before each playoff game we go to Panera and we all sit in the same seats on the bus. Then in the locker room we get hype before the game.”