Maya Hernandez Embraces Leadership Role in Sophomore Season at Loyola Marymount University
By: Isabelle Geoghegan
With the Loyola Marymount University women’s basketball season already underway, sophomore forward Maya Hernandez is looking to build on her freshman year and make a significant impact on and off the court. The San Jose native, who has been immersed in basketball from a young age, credits her family for inspiring her love for the game and shaping her competitive spirit.
Growing up in a household that revolved around basketball, she found motivation in her older sister’s journey through collegiate hoops, which gave her a firsthand look at the opportunities that come with playing at a high level. Her older sister Hunter Hernandez is currently in her junior season at UC Irvine.
“I saw my older sister [who] was a big role model for me, and all the things she was getting at the collegiate level, such as schooling, [a] great education and being able to learn all the skills that came with playing at a high level in college,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez has already made memorable contributions to the Lions basketball team. She emphasized a thrilling comeback victory against South Dakota on November 11th as a standout moment in her LMU career. The Lions were down 18 at halftime and came back to win the game outscoring the Coyotes 38-15 in the second half, ending the game with a score of 71-67.
Hernandez scored an impressive 33 points in that game along with 10 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 steals. Midway through her Sophomore season, Hernandez is fully embracing the dedication required to compete at the collegiate level and has valuable advice for aspiring athletes looking to follow in her footsteps.
“My biggest advice would be to buy into it. Obviously, it is a very large commitment and takes up your whole life, but when you buy into it and give it your all, the results of going to practice and playing in games, as well as being a student, have a great result and are very worth it,” Hernandez said.
Beyond her individual achievements, Hernandez takes great pride in the culture being built within the LMU program. She believes that being part of the team has helped her grow not only as a player but also as a person.
“Being part of the LMU program has impacted me to be a better teammate and to want to be better for my team. It has helped me put others before my own needs, and that’s something that we have fought for and is important for our team dynamic,” Hernandez said.
With the season in full swing, Hernandez is eager to continue contributing to the Lions’ success, both as a key player and as a leader within the team. As LMU looks to make a statement this year, all eyes will be on Hernandez to see how her growth and dedication translate into success on the court. As the journey continues, there’s no doubt that Hernandez’s passion, work ethic, and team-first mentality will play an integral role in shaping the future of LMU women’s basketball.
