Q&A With Maya Warrior

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Coming off her first year as a Saluki, junior defender Maya Warrior spent some time discussing what her transfer process to Southern looked like prior to last season, in addition to some of her favorite things about Carbondale in an interview with SIUSalukis.com

How was spring soccer going for you before everything came to a halt due to COVID-19?

Personally, I was having the time of my life! I had a couple of setbacks with injuries and sicknesses, but overall I felt like I was being pushed and I was getting in better shape. I was also enjoying and craving competition every day.

What are you doing at home to stay connected to the rest of the soccer team?

I try and reach out to my teammates. We have a group message, but with everyone in different time zones and on their own schedules it's hard to catch everyone at once. We also have team meetings on Zoom and I FaceTime the ones that I am closer to on the daily.

Talk about the process to transfer to Southern Illinois. What stood out about the program? What made you want to uproot from Texas to come to Illinois?

It was difficult. I had a small window from when I decided to transfer from my old school to the "universal" report date for women's soccer. After many phone calls, emails and visits, Nyomi Devine was persistent and so was Coach Williams when I first talked to him. He was almost like a dad from the second I met him. He's just a good guy. His program also came highly recommended as a place for me to visit by my first college coach, Kevin Cross.

What's your biggest takeaway from your first season as a Saluki?

Definitely perseverance. With a young team, there are a lot of things that you learn your first year at an established program, sometimes often more than what you learn from your college coach. So, just continuing to bite the bullet when you feel defeated is something we have been doing well.

What are some items you're looking to improve on for year two?

Consistency! On and off the field. I have high expectations of myself for my junior year. I would like to put attacking stats next to my name and become a defensive threat in transition.

What does it mean to you to represent Southern Illinois on and off the field?

I love it in Carbondale and I love playing for the woman's soccer team. I am blessed to have been given an opportunity to be apart of this program, so I like to do my best to show that I am a Saluki and that I'm proud and feel honored to be able to do so.

What's been your favorite class at Southern?

My Introduction to Philosophy class! I love it because you get to just give your viewpoint, debate and think deep. That's something I do regularly on accident so I feel at home in a way.

What's your favorite place to eat in Carbondale?

Besides the True Blood and Lentz, it's definitely the cinnamon roll pancakes at Sunny Street that really hits the spot those weekend mornings when we don't have a game! And, of course, Taco Bell during the late night study breaks.

What are you looking forward to most when you're able to return to Carbondale?

My apartment! I finally got one so I am ready for the privacy and independence. I'm also ready for things to feel normal again, including school, soccer and friends.

If you could say one thing to your teammates right now, what would that be?

Keep working and remember the goal! We've got a Missouri Valley Conference championship to win this year.

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