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Senior Student Athlete Profile: Maya Lake (Sebeka)

By Craig Olson, 05/03/20, 2:45PM CDT

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Sebeka senior Maya Lake was a three-sport athlete in high school, participating in volleyball, basketball and softball for the Trojans.

“I got to play in five section tournament games and I was a member of two teams that played in the State Tournament,” related Lake.  “As an eighth-grader I was on our Class A Consolation Champion State volleyball team, and as a tenth-grader I was the centerfielder on our softball team that qualified for state.  Those are two of my top sports memories for sure.”

Sebeka volleyball coach Becca Pulju says, “We are truly going to miss Maya this fall. She has been a staple for 5 years in my varsity practices. She was our libero her freshman year but moved to outside hitter as a sophomore. Maya would have chosen to stay a libero, but we needed her to hit. We needed her athleticism at the net. She learned how to hit shots and become a successful hitter, but she shined at passing and defense.  She set the school record for career digs with 1,738. She was Park Region Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, and All-Conference for 3 years. Maya worked hard her whole career to be in shape, to know the game, and to pursue every ball that came at us. She was a "lead by example" player, and our younger players really looked up to her.”

Lake plans on attending Minnesota State University – Mankato in the fall, pursing a major in Dental Hygiene.  Her favorite subjects in school are History and Biology.

“As a three-sport and accomplished athlete, I have learned a tremendous amount,” said Lake.  “The skills I have learned have shaped me into the young adult I am today, and I am grateful for each and every one of those experiences.  Through athletics I have learned the value of teamwork and leadership.  These skills will be something necessary as I further my education, and as I become a productive member of society.  Being a part of an athletic team comes with hardships, too.  Throughout my career I was a member of teams that lost in the section final games in both softball and volleyball.  Suffering defeat taught me to be resilient, and it taught me perseverance.  The skills I have learned through athletics are immense, and these skills will be beneficial to me as I continue my education and my career.  I will be forever grateful to all of my teammates and coaches for teaching me the value of these skills.”

Her favorite quote comes from former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.”