Maya Williams joins the Gym Devils as a freshman walk-on from Reistertown, Md./United Gymnastix. Williams notably competed for the country of Jamaica on the international circuit, representing the country in the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow, where she competed on Beam. She has competed level 10 for United Gymnastix out of Maryland for five years. Her sister, Toni-Ann Williams, is a member of the California Golden Bears gymnastics program. Williams joins Cairo Leonard-Baker (Oakland, CA) and Molly McNamara (Houston, TX) to form a strong group of freshmen on the Gym Devils' 2018 roster...
What drew you to Arizona State?
The high value of education, especially regarding science majors.
If you could have dinner with anyone from any era, who would it be and why?
Michelle Obama, because as the first lady she was able to inspire and empower young women.
If you had the chance to pick the brain of any coach in any sport, who would it be?
Svetlana Boginskaya
If you had the chance to watch one past sporting event, which one would you go to?
I would go to the Olympics in 1988, when the Jamaican bobsled team made their first appearance.
What is your hometown and what do you like best about it?
I am from Baltimore, Maryland. I love that it is such a small city and the fact that everyone knows each other and no one is ever a stranger.
Which past Sun Devil (any sport) do you wish you could have watched play?
I wish I could've watched Anthony Robles wrestle.
What is the last book you read?
The last book I read was Beloved, by Toni Morrison.
What's your favorite song from your favorite artist?
My favorite song is Praying, by Kesha.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
"If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough."-Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
What is a movie that you can watch over and over again?
I could watch Mulan over and over again.
What is the best advice your parents ever gave you?
The best advice my parents have given me is that things have to get worse before they can be better.
If you could be on any game show which would you choose?
I would be on Jeopardy.
If you could learn to do anything what would it be?
I want to learn to play the piano.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? ***
Hardworking, determined & motivated
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
I hate taking out the trash.
What is your best childhood memory?
My best childhood memory is starting gymnastics classes with my older sister Toni.
What's your favorite TV show and why?
My favorite TV show is SpongeBob Squarepants because my sister and I grew up watching it together. To this day we still watch the show when we are together.
What is your favorite road trip destination?
South Carolina
What is one place you really want to visit?
Athens, Greece
If someone wrote a book about your life what would they title it? ***
Resilience
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be?
Whitney Houston
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
I can knit and crochet.
Who is your favorite athlete of all time?
Muhammad Ali
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the sport of gymnastics?
My sister Toni-Ann.
What is your favorite gymnastics related memory?***
Going to the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
What is the hardest thing about competing as a gymnast?
Maintaining my health while trying to balance a rigorous schedule.
Do you have any personal goals for this upcoming season?
My goal is to become more consistent with my routines.