University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Spotlight: Maya Rajacich
5/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
The Gophers will welcome eight incoming freshman to the pitch for the 2016-17 season. Get to know the future of Minnesota soccer before they don the Maroon and Gold!
Maya Rajacich of Minneapolis, Minn. hails from Washburn High School and the Minnesota Thunder Academy. Rajacich trains under Reuben Ndely, Cheryl Peterson as well as David Alberti. She has earned High Honors freshman through senior year. Rajacich has been named All-State her freshman, junior and senior seasons and was Ms. Soccer Runner-up. She was captain for Minneapolis United U13-U15 and her senior year. While a part of Minneapolis United, her team won the State Cup in 2012 and 2013. Her time at Minnesota Thunder Academy was highlighted by an ECNL North American League Nationals win in 2015.
"Maya adds a new dynamic to our attack that we are excited about," said Golan. "She has a big physical and athletic presence, but she is still very good on the ball and can strike from almost anywhere. She has overcome adversity through injury on more than one occasion and is still so driven to play at this level. We feel that she can come in and compete immediately and we are excited to see how she mixes in with the rest of the attack. We welcome her to the Gopher soccer family."
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How did you first start playing soccer?
I started playing soccer when I was 4 or 5-years-old for a recreational program. My dad played soccer almost his whole life so it was a given that I would at least try it, but I ended up loving it and sticking with it.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I was really active growing up. I played basketball, t-ball and volleyball in addition to soccer. I had fun playing basketball which was my second sport, but it didn't compare to how much I liked soccer and I didn't think I could have much of a future in it.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
I have always had an interest in larger schools in an urban setting and the University of Minnesota is just that. I'm from Minneapolis, so I was set on leaving the city, but when I toured the school, I fell in love with it. It's a welcoming atmosphere with great academic and sports communities and it's exactly what I wanted in a college.
Have you chosen a major or leaning towards a specific area of study?
I am really interested in business and finance. I love working with numbers and math. I also love a challenge, so finance or something related to it seems like a good fit!
What do you like to do in your free time when you're not playing soccer?
I love to be around people and hang out with friends. I also love to go on adventures to new places around cities.
What are you most looking forward to as a UMN soccer player?
I am really excited to get to know the team and play high-level soccer. It has always been a dream of mine to play Division 1 soccer and I'm looking forward to being part of U of M athletic community.
Who was your athletic role model growing up?
Mia Hamm was my biggest role model. It sounds a little cliché, but I had a book about her and her soccer career and how strong she was. I’ve always wanted to play like her.
What's your favorite part about playing soccer?
My favorite part about soccer is being a part of a team and competing. I think being part of something larger than yourself is something very special. I am also very competitive, so I love playing in tough games that push me to work harder.
What type of music most pumps you up for games?
I listen to hip-hop music with good beats before games. I look for songs that make me want to dance, because it also helps me relax before stressful games.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I don't really have any pre-game rituals, but one thing I do is picture myself scoring a goal. If I picture it in my head, I go on the field and it makes it more of a reality in my mind.
