Maya Neal (’19), who studies political science and business administration, competed with the Lady Vols in both soccer and track and field. She holds Liberian citizenship through her mother’s side, is a recipient of the Wayne Basler Women’s Soccer Endowed Scholarship, and joined the VOLeaders program this summer in Rwanda.
All-SEC soccer defender and second-team All-America heptathlete Maya Neal says she came to UT because she saw that “sports and academics are equally exceptional, and it is a place where I could see myself achieving tremendous personal growth on the track, pitch, and in the classroom and community.
“Prior to coming here, I saw the effect that the late, great pioneer Pat Summitt had on women’s sports, which garnered much of my admiration and interest. Along with the deference for women’s athletics, the passion of the fan base here has a great positive impact on athletics, and their support goes a long way. It makes competing more gratifying, and the support from far and wide is valued.
“I realize that there is a lot that goes into the financing and planning of facilities and athletic programs, including scholarships like mine.”
I realize that there is a lot that goes into the financing and planning of facilities and athletic programs, including scholarships like mine.
– Maya Neal (’19), All-SEC soccer defender and second-team All-America heptathlete
Her mother, Michelle Neal, an immigration attorney in Chicago, was born in Liberia.
With dual US and Liberian citizenship, Neal represented Liberia in track and field at the 2016 African Championships in Durban, South Africa, where she saw so many people lacking shoes. “It wasn’t just the impoverished,” she says. “It was people competing at a professional level.”
She started collecting cleats and other sports shoes and shipping them to Liberia—more than 350 pairs to date.
Last year she was one of 19 UT athletes selected to take part in the VOLeaders program, which culminated this summer with a sport-based service immersion trip to Rwanda. “It was a lot to take in,” says Neal, who brought 40 pairs of donated shoes to Rwanda, where the VOLeaders partnered with multiple organizations, including Shooting Touch, which uses the power of basketball to educate and empower women to be self-confident and live healthier lives.
Neal graduated in May with a major in political science and minor in business administration. With her fifth year of eligibility, she is starting a master’s degree in sport management. “In December I’ll travel to Liberia to see the impact firsthand of our work with the organizations that I’ve partnered with. I hope to pursue a career with an international nonprofit organization such as UNICEF, as a corporate lobbyist, or a sports agent.”
