Jacqueline Maze

Making Her Point

Being bold—both in sports and in her beliefs—empowers this athlete to make a difference in the game and her community.

Jacqueline Maze is not one to back down. Not on the tennis court, soccer field, or track. And not when asked to defend her beliefs. Courage and tenacity are a family tradition, and she works hard to emulate the example her grandmother has set as a two-time cancer survivor. She’s drawn on this source of inspiration and motivation time and again to excel in three varsity sports while maintaining a 4.7 GPA that has put her at the head of her class. Jacqueline will graduate as valedictorian and plans to play soccer at the collegiate level in the fall while majoring in a natural science program that will prepare her for medical school.

Her grit was tested when, as a high school freshman, she gave a not-so-popular answer to a high-level philosophical question posed by her teacher. While she suffered through the backlash to her response, the experience fortified her conviction that “being bold and true to my beliefs is more important than remaining silent for fear of what others would think.” She hopes to set the example for others “whose voices need to be heard” while also keeping an open mind and listening to ideas that may differ from her own. As the only sophomore selected to represent her high school at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference, she learned the art of being true to yourself while appreciating diversity at the same time.

Jacqueline makes a difference not just through her words, but through her actions. She’s participated in several mission trips with her family and church and has been active in her school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes club during all four years of high school. She serves as a leader for club meetings and is always willing to put in the extra effort to support the spiritual and mental growth of her fellow student-athletes. “I have seen the impact that humble service can have not only on a team but on the school culture as a whole,” she says. She believes the club’s work will have a ripple effect that will impact students for many years to come.