Mariana de Maille

Once this soccer star found her voice, she’s been using it to help others find theirs.

In second grade, Mariana de Maille’s teacher placed her in remedial reading. Not because she couldn’t read, but because she lacked the confidence to read out loud. To build her confidence, Mariana’s parents involved her in a local soccer program, and that is where she blossomed. Mariana felt strong, fearless and independent on the field. She began playing soccer year-round, and the experience carried over into all aspects of her life. She transformed into a confident, young woman who gave the speech at her eighth grade commencement.

Today, Mariana plays soccer for her high school team and is the captain on her Elite Club National League team. She plans on playing Division III soccer at William Smith College, in Geneva, New York. However, her ultimate goal is to become a doctor—a passion she developed while recovering from 13 sports-related broken bones and three torn ligaments. She takes community college classes and will be a junior when she begins her first year at William Smith, which will ultimately allow her to graduate in three and a half years.

While Mariana has chosen medicine over sports for her future career, soccer will always play a role in her life. She is one of the youngest people ever to complete a U.S. Soccer Federation coaching License E, which allows her to volunteer coach nine-year-old girls, giving them the gift of soccer and the confidence that comes with playing.

While sports helped Mariana find her inner strength, it is her faith in God and a strong desire to help others achieve their personal best that drives her to always achieve her best.