Maya Neal

Last updated
Maya Neal
Personal information
Full name Maya Camille Neal
Date of birth (1996-12-22) 22 December 1996 (age 27)
Place of birth Naperville, Illinois, United States
Height 1.58 m (5 ft 2 in)
Position(s) Defender
College career
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2015–2019 Tennessee Volunteers 79 (3)
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2020–2021 Le Havre 5 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Maya Camille Neal (born 22 December 1996) is a Liberian footballer and athlete. [1]

Contents

Early life and education

Neal was born on 22 December 1996 in Naperville, Illinois. [2] She competed in her first triathlon at the age of nine. [3] Neal attended Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville. [4]

Neal attended the University of Tennessee, where she majored in political science. [5] She was a multi-sport athlete for the Lady Vols, competing for the varsity soccer and track and field teams. [6] She was regarded as one of the soccer team's most important players. [7] She tore her meniscus in her collegiate soccer debut. [8]

Neal represented Liberia at the 2016 African Championships in Athletics. [9]

Style of play

Neal has been described as having an "attack-minded defending style". [10]

Personal life

Neal is the daughter of Michelle Neal, an immigration attorney who was born in Liberia. [9]

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References

  1. "Maya Neal Ready to Play for Lone Star". frontpageafricaonline.com. 9 December 2022.
  2. "Maya Neal". Tennessee Volunteers Athletics. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  3. "Maya Neal not satisfied, but takes third at Arcadia". Chicago Tribune . 16 April 2015.
  4. "Maya Neal: The Final New Balance Indoor Nationals Journal". milesplit.com.
  5. "Maya Neal a leader on defense, advocate for the people of Liberia". knoxnews.com.
  6. "Maya Neal, Gives 11 Pieces of Advice on Recruiting and More". 2adays.com.
  7. "Nothing gets past Maya Neal". espn.co.uk. 15 November 2018.
  8. "Maya Neal is a 'rock' for Tennessee women's soccer". knoxnews.com.
  9. 1 2 "Dual Athlete, Dual Citizen".
  10. "Maya Neal is a willing and vocal supporter of her homeland". andscape.com. 16 November 2018.