NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Spring is almost here along with the madness of March and college basketball. We start up our interview series with an athlete who uses her skills on the pitch and faith to reach her goals. If you are new here the “Movers and Shakers” series is our interview series with up-and-coming names in all arenas that you need to remember because they have next. We get to know a former LSU Tiger who now calls Dallas Trinity FC her professional home. Let’s get to know Maya Gordon.
Joe Cardoso: When did you start playing soccer?
Maya Gordon: I started playing soccer when I was 3 years old.
JC: Florida is a hotbed for soccer, what was it like, growing up in that environment?
MG: Growing up playing soccer in Florida was what pushed me to want to play at the highest level. It was so competitive, and I was on a team with a group of really talented girls that made me better every single day, and coaches that treated our team like a family.
JC: Did you play any other sports growing up?
MG: I did a little bit of everything when I was younger. Gymnastics, swimming, basketball, and track (personal favorite).
JC: At what age did you start to think you were really good at it?
MG: Probably when I was around 4 or 5 years old. I was faster than all the other girls my age and I started looking at moving to the club level instead of just playing AYSO. The better I got, the more I loved the sport.
JC: What was the college recruiting process like, and why go to LSU?
MG: It was really cool to be at a tournament and all of a sudden it wasn’t just our parents on the sideline, but all these other people in head-to-toe college gear as well. There were so many schools watching our games and it just added to my team’s motivation. After games, our coaches would get calls and let us know who was interested in recruiting us, which was always so exciting to hear.
I visited a couple of schools during my recruiting process and had never been to a place so in love with the college in their city. Everything in Baton Rouge is LSU. It was such an exciting and inviting environment, and I also had a good relationship with the staff that was there. I loved it, and Mike the Tiger was the cherry on top!
JC: As a D1 athlete, what was one thing you loved and hated during your time in Baton Rouge?
MG: As a D1 athlete, Baton Rouge provided a really supportive fan base that absolutely loved their sports teams, which was something I really enjoyed. But the Louisiana heat in the summer is no joke, and preseason and fitness outside was something I could have done without!
JC: Faith plays a big part in your life. Can you share a little bit about the part it plays?
MG: My faith is absolutely everything to me. I would never have had the opportunity even to play professionally, let alone play the sport at all if it wasn’t for God. This season I have been rehabbing from an ACL tear, and it has been a really difficult season both physically and mentally for me. But I wholeheartedly trust God’s process and his timing. My faith in him is bringing me through this and above this. I believe everything I’ve been through is my testimony, and I am so excited about what God has planned for me in the future.
JC: Injuries are part of the game but very tough to deal with. How do you overcome them and push through?
MG: This kind of goes back to the last question, as my faith plays a huge role in how I am dealing with injury right now. I think part of overcoming an injury is treating the injury how you would treat your own sport. How much hard work and time were you willing to put into practice and training and games? Well now, put all that work (and then some) into rehabbing and recovery. So that you can come back an even better, stronger, more resilient player.
JC: Being not only a woman but a black woman, how do you hope to inspire other young ladies?
MG: I hope that I can inspire other young ladies that it doesn’t matter what obstacles are put in your way, you have the power and strength within you to move them. Things are not always fair and perfect, sometimes you wonder why something has happened to you. But it really has happened FOR you. God always has a plan and as long as you trust in that you can do anything. I want to be a role model in the way I conduct myself on and off the pitch, as well as show every single little girl that the dreams you have are possible no matter what you think is holding you back or in your way.
JC: Who is Maya Gordon?
MG: I am a strong and resilient athlete who embodies dedication and perseverance in every aspect of the game of soccer. My commitment is matched only by my faith in God, which serves as the foundation of my strength. My resilience is not just physical but mental and spiritual, proving that with faith and determination, anything is possible.
Thank you Maya for making time to share with us your journey. Keep up with her on socials:
Maya (@mayaggordon) • Instagram photos and videos
(6) Maya (@mayagordon_) / X
(3)Mayaggordon (@mayaggordon) | TikTok
You can catch USL games on Peacock and support all the amazing athletes. More interviews to come in 2025 thanks for the support and stay tuned with Team NBS Media.
