Maya Alberts, a senior here at Lawrence, has spent the last four years doubling in life as a university soccer player and an international relations major. A native of Madison and a transfer from St. John’s University in New York, the Women’s Soccer team’s starting center back appreciated the simplicity of life in Appleton.
After a brief stint in Green Bay, Alberts knew Lawrence was right for her.
“I wanted to shift routes and take my academic experience more seriously. I also really wanted to study abroad; that was a big factor for me,” shares Alberts. “I played in a pre-professional team up in Green Bay and that was how I got connected to Joe [Sagar, Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer team], which was how I ended up here! I thought it would be a good fit, with me being from two hours away in Wisconsin so my family could still come to my games. It definitely was a big change, but I thought it would be a really good fit!”
The move from New York City’s bright lights to Appleton’s more homely environment proved to be a big transition for Alberts. However, she feels that she has found herself in a more peaceful and enjoyable place during her two seasons here.
“While it was fantastic — I loved it while I was there — I just felt my time in New York was done. I wanted something less stressful and just to enjoy the ride. The move wasn’t too bad,” says Alberts. “I enjoy Appleton a lot!”
In what has been a bit of a homecoming for Alberts, there have been plenty of great memories along the way. From studying abroad, to long bus rides with the team, to “sunset lit, evening practices,” she has had moments to cherish during her time here. Her major in international relations has particularly been a rewarding experience which has taught her so much about herself as a person. When asked, she had this to say:
“I love the material that we cover; it’s been so interesting to me. The authoritarian regimes class that I’m taking right now has been super cool! Overall, I would say that getting to learn about things in a small class environment has been a really unique experience. Seeing the different cultures firsthand, while studying abroad, has just been awesome!
“I feel like learning to live life not expecting anything, but embracing everything, has been what I’ve taken from being an international relations major. You can go into things expecting something and that’s not what it is at all. Being able to have an open mind has shown me some unique things, and that has been really cool.”
A member of the 2023 All-Midwest Conference First Team, Alberts has been named Defensive Player of the Week twice this season. She has been integral to the Women’s Soccer team’s recent success and has even chipped in with a few goals from the heart of the defense during the current campaign. When she’s not on the pitch, Alberts is reading tons of books, adding to her movie catalogue, enjoying her hand at tennis or pickleball (“I am looking for a pickleball partner!” says Alberts) and actively participating in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
“It’s nice to have a different outlet for my personal enjoyment,” explains Alberts. “Soccer is like a full-time job here! One I still very much enjoy, of course, but it’s nice to have ways to take your mind off of the sport.”
Finally, when asked what her future aspirations were, Alberts said that she would like to get her MBA while remaining in the game in some fashion.
“I’m thinking grad school and an MBA somewhere down the line after college. I would love to stay in the game in some way, either through a summer team or coaching on the side. But ultimately, I’m just keeping my options open. Through this whole process of soccer and transferring you really just learn to enjoy the ride and where you’re at. At the moment, I am enjoying my last year here at Lawrence and just embracing where I am,” says Alberts.
It was great getting to meet with Maya Alberts, and I wish her the best for the future.