From the mat to the track, senior Maya Nicholson has been a standout athlete, excelling across two sports. She earned All-State honors in cheerleading while capturing conference titles in both the triple and high jump during the indoor track season.
Nicholson became a dependable presence in both programs from the moment she joined. In track and field, she qualified for the state meet twice and became a reliable scorer in multiple events.
“There are very few athletes that have been more consistent for our team,” girls track and field head coach Matthew Maletich said. “She’s always working to improve and compete at a higher level.”
While her results stood out, Nicholson’s growth as a teammate was just as significant. Once quiet as a freshman, she developed into a more confident and vocal leader by her senior year, supporting teammates and helping set the tone in both sports.
Nicholson’s athletic foundation began long before high school, spending over a decade in gymnastics. However, an injury forced her to step away from the sport, pushing her towards cheer and track.
“At first, it was a big adjustment, but over time I ended up loving both sports,” Nicholson said. “They gave me a new sense of confidence, helped me grow in different ways, and introduced me to some of my closest friendships and best memories.”
That background translated into both her cheer routines and track and field events. Despite her success, her coaches credit her constant humility.
“She’s one of the most talented I’ve ever coached,” cheerleading head coach Allyson Passarelli said. “But what really stands out about her is how humble she is.”
For Nicholson, her senior season was defined by a simple approach.
“I knew I didn’t want to look back wishing I had worked harder or appreciated the moments more,” Nicholson said. “So I tried to compete with confidence, stay positive, and leave the season with no regrets.”
She pointed to moments like earning All-State in cheer and winning conference titles in both jumping events as highlights, but she credits her team as an unforgettable part of her career.
“No matter how stressful or intense things got, we always found ways to laugh and enjoy the experience, and that’s something really special I’ll always remember,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson will attend the University of Illinois in the fall to study special education, carrying the impact she made.
