Lower Merion’s Maya Masotti is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

A junior midfielder, Masotti has been a vital all-around performer for the Aces (16-2 as of Oct. 21), the No. 4 seed in the PIAA District 1 4A tournament. She received All-Central League first team girls soccer honors both this fall and as a freshman midfielder, and has received All-Main Line second team honors as a sophomore and freshman. Lower Merion girls soccer head coach Kevin Ries said, “Maya has the unique combination of being two-footed along with possessing exceptional technical ability. She is an amazing athlete that works hard every day.” Masotti also is a youth soccer referee and participates in Best Buddies.

 

Q: What has been your favorite game of the season to date – can you share your most vivid memory of it with us?

 

A: My favorite game of the season was our 3-1 win against Conestoga (Oct. 10). Though they were an undefeated team and just won the Central League championship, that game was an eye-opener for our team because we got a view at how good we had become and how well we had grown together. My most vivid memory of this game was when I just scored a header off Roberta Moger’s corner and I turned around and just screamed, because at that point we had put the score to 3-1. I was filled with pure happiness and pride in our team in that moment and it will be a memory I keep forever.

 

Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the off-season?

 

A: During the off-season I focus on my technical skills, strength, and stamina. I try to be in the best shape that I can.

 

Q: What do you consider the strongest part of your game, and what are you working on most currently?

 

A: I think the strongest part of my game is either my foot skills or speed. I am currently working on trying to play more composed, so that these two things can complement each other better.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Have you always been a midfielder?

 

A: When I was younger I started out as a midfielder/forward because I loved to just sprint after the ball and score, though I did play almost every position as I continued to play soccer. After trying out center back, outside back, and center forward, I found myself right back where I started in the midfield. However I do sometimes play on the wing, which is still thrilling for me.

 

Q: Who have been your most important soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?

 

A: My biggest mentors have been all of my coaches. I moved [around] teams a lot so I have had several of them. Each one has taught me different things, but most importantly how to stay focused and work hard. Even at a young age my coaches taught me that everything matters and you are always competing against yourself. I am especially grateful for my high school coach, Kevin Ries, who I have been lucky to have as both a teacher and coach.

 

Q: Briefly describe for us your pre-game preparation (physical, mental) on the day of a game.

 

A: Before games I like to have a light snack such as fruit or granola bar and then listen to music while thinking about my personal goals for the upcoming game. Each game may have different goals, but it helps me focus on what I need to improve on from previous games.

 

Q: What is your favorite course at Lower Merion? What do you think you might want to major in at college?

 

A: My favorite course at Lower Merion so far would be either chemistry or biology. I am considering something in the sciences and medicine or design.

 

Fun facts – Maya Masotti

Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds.

Favorite movie: Fast and Furious.

Favorite athlete: Lebron James.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: All of the Lights (Kanye West).

Favorite team: Tottenham Spurs.

Favorite place to visit: Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Favorite pre-game meal: Smoothie and toast with peanut butter.

Person I most admire, and why: “I most admire Tara Shaw. She was the assistant coach for both my freshman and sophomore years and was and still is a huge role model for me. She is the definition of a powerful woman and has taught me so many life lessons even in the short amount of time I have known her. She is like a second mother to me.”

Family members: parents Chris and Elaine, brother Hayden, sister Maria.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)

To view a gallery of the Main Line Girls Athletes of the Week from 2013 to present, click here