Maya Sampleton Chooses the Ivy League

High School: St. Stephen's
Club Team: Texas Elite adidas Christian - GATA
Class: 2016
College Commitment: Columbia 



What do you love most about the game of basketball?

Basketball has taught me to be tough. There isn't enough time from between plays to get hung up on mistake or make excuses, and I think that has really helped me with school and life. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and get your work done, which I think is something that kids who play sports, especially basketball, really excell at. So I guess that's my favorite thing about the game.

Can you tell me about your recruiting experience and why you ultimately chose your school?

I really didn't 100% make my mind up that I wanted to play college basketball until maybe my sophomore year, so my recruiting process was shorter than most girls who have always known they wanted to play at the next level. So when I received offers after putting in so much work my junior and senior summers, I was so excited, honored, and appreciative. My offers meant a lot to me, and I didn't want to take them for granted. I was blessed to have two incredible options, and ultimately I chose Columbia because of my gut feeling. That's really all there was to it. Both schools had amazing coaches, players, and academics, but I just felt like Columbia was the place I had to be. 

What has been your favorite part of playing in the Texas Elite organization? 

My favorite part of playing for Texas Elite was that they are truly my family. I know that I can call all of my coaches and teammates if I need anything, and a lot of my teammates and I will talk forever. I really have made life long friends. I have also seen how other clubs operate, and never have I ever come across a more bonded and family oriented club in girls basketball. 

What are your expectations for the upcoming High School season?

Personally, expectations for my high school season are to average 20-25 points a game, and use my non-dominant hand way more often. As far as my team, I just want to be a good leader by example, and win Southwest Preparatory Conference for the second year in a row. 

What are your expectations for the next level? 

My expectation for the next level is to become more responsible, and by that I mean in life and on the court. I want to go into college focused on managing my time wisely, and becoming stronger and more mentally savvy about the game. These are two things I think will really help me if I focus on them right from the start. That's simply what I expect from myself. My goal would be to win Ivy League freshman of the week at least twice. I can't wait!