Undergraduate Blog
Student Life

Maya Carter (McIntire ’26) Makes the Most of the Moment

Whether on the field at Klöckner Stadium or diving into her coursework at the Comm School, Carter brings the same energy and dedication that have guided her since childhood.

Maya Carter

When Maya Carter steps onto the field at Klöckner Stadium, she isn’t just playing soccer—she’s continuing a lifelong passion nurtured by her family and rooted in her upbringing. Hailing from the suburbs of Detroit, MI, Carter has always found herself drawn to the camaraderie, grit, and challenge that sports provides. This love for competition and friendship has shaped her identity and guided her to UVA, where she now wears multiple hats as a student-athlete, excelling on the field and in the classroom.

Growing up, Carter says that even as a very young child, you’d be hard pressed to ever find in her room playing video games or some other stationary pastime: “I wasn’t your play-with-dolls-and-stuffed-animals kind of girl. I was outside, running around, getting dirty, playing with bugs, and things like that.” Her active, spirited nature led her to connect deeply with her father, who shared her enthusiasm for sports. “I just loved to throw the football around,” she says, reflecting on the hours they spent together playing baseball, soccer, or any game that would set her in motion. Carter was always eager to participate.

Maya CarterSoccer, however, was the sport that stuck. What began at the age of five as a simple way for her parents to help her meet other kids at a local community center soon blossomed into a profound passion for her that would stay with her until today. “I just loved it so much,” she recalls. “It was a great avenue for me to express myself and be competitive,” Carter explains. As she grew, so did her commitment to the sport, eventually leading her to the highly competitive world of college soccer.

When it came time for her to choose a college, UVA stood out for its exceptional combination of academics and athletics. “It had the best of both for me,” Carter says, highlighting how both she and her parents prioritized education alongside her athletic ambitions. The decision to move away from home was not taken lightly, but it was encouraged by her parents, who wanted her to grow, while she wanted to discover herself independently. “I especially didn’t want to go anywhere where it was so cold like Michigan. I fell in love with Virginia—the weather, the greenery, and the balance it offered.”

Carter notes as an aside that her path to the University was marked by a serendipitous twist of fate. Though she missed out on a middle school trip to Washington, DC, because of a prior soccer commitment, her classmates made a stop on Grounds before returning to Michigan. “Everyone came back wearing UVA sweatshirts,” she laughs. Little did she know that she missed what would become the school she would eventually represent on the soccer field as a student-athlete.

While her love for soccer brought her to UVA, Carter’s academic interests led her to the Comm School. “I knew I wanted to go in that general area—whether it was accounting or finance,” she explains. The exposure to Commerce-related classes during her first two years at the University confirmed her interest, and she was thrilled when she was accepted into McIntire.

Now at the Comm School, Carter leans towards an Accounting concentration, acknowledging that her interests might evolve as she delves deeper into her coursework. She’s also pursuing a minor in Public Policy and Leadership at the Batten School, a late addition she is excited to add to her academic focus. “I loved seeing how policy is developed and what makes it successful,” Carter says, noting her newfound appreciation for the impact of policy beyond traditional government roles.

Every student-athlete will readily acknowledge that balancing the demands of their sport with a full schedule’s worth of coursework can be daunting, but Carter approaches it with a sense of determination and foresight. “I’m always thinking ahead. School is always in the back of my mind,” she says, emphasizing the importance of planning and time management. Her teammates share this commitment to academics, creating an environment where the term “student-athlete” accurately reflects their priorities. “We’re very school-oriented. The athlete part is something fun we get to do on the side,” she adds.

Despite her rigorous schedule, Carter understands the importance of carving out time for herself. “I find it hard to find time for myself and realize that I also need to do fun things and have a normal college experience,” she admits. Whether it’s exploring the historical sites around Charlottesville, volunteering with animals, or simply hanging out with friends, she strives to maintain a healthy balance between her responsibilities and personal life.

On the soccer field, Carter is driven by more than just the desire to win. Her goals are firmly rooted in the desire to be a positive difference maker, whether that’s by supporting her teammates or contributing directly to the game. “My goal is to make an impact wherever I’m needed,” she says. Her team-first mentality is evident in how she measures her success—not just by the goals she scores, but by her ability to assist others and be a dependable teammate.

Reflecting on her time at UVA so far, Carter expresses gratitude for the support system on Grounds, from faculty to fellow students, all of whom have played a role in her ongoing development. “This university can feel so big on the outside, but then once you’re a part of it, you realize how small it is,” she observes. The relationships she’s built and the resources available to her have reinforced her belief that UVA was the right choice.

As she looks to the future, Carter remains open to the possibilities ahead. Whether it’s pursuing graduate school, entering the workforce, or even considering a professional athletic career, she is content to take things as they come. “I’m just enjoying right now,” she says.

Find out about all the exciting things happening in the McIntire community. Visit our news page for the latest updates.

More News