Maya Moore is taking her talents to the WNBA after an amazing basketball career at the University of Connecticut where she won two National Championships with the Huskies.
Maya was selected #1 overall by the Minnesota Linx in this year’s WNBA draft and the sports world can’t wait to see how successful she’ll be on that next level.
Many compare her to the iconic Michael Jordan and her new deal with Jordan Brand, making her the first female baller ever to sign with the company, has her sitting pretty alongside the best, right where she belongs.
While her on-court performances are well-known and legendary, who Maya Moore is off the court is what really sets her apart from the rest.
The consummate pro and genuinely humble role model took time out of her busy schedule to chat with us about everything from her transition to the WNBA, to her love life and a secret hidden talent.
Get to know the incredible Maya Moore in our exclusive interview below!
You’ve made headlines as the first female basketball player to sign with Jordan Brand. Tell us a little about that. You must have been excited!
Yeah! It’s one of those situations where I’m getting information through an agent and they let me know that Jordan was interested. It’s not a very common thing to have Michael Jordan himself hand select you. I was able to talk to him after it was all said and done and it’s just really cool to know the potential of that relationship and the potential of all the relationships. I have a chance to get to know all the Jordan Brand athletes, having a new family. I’m just excited to get a chance to watch and support (them) and just continue to learn. I love to learn and I’m so excited to soak in all of the experiences of all of these great athletes and especially Michael Jordan himself.
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Some sports writers (ex: Bill Simmons, The Sports Guy) and commentators have speculated on wanting to see a woman in the NBA at some point. Would you have any interest in that and do you think you could hang?
No, I don’t think about that. There’s plenty of competition here in the WNBA. There’s so much talent. The talent level is getting pretty ridiculous. Just seeing more and more athletic players coming into the college ranks and WNBA. Smart, skilled players, so there’s a huge challenge for me here in the WNBA and I’m just excited to continue to figure out how to master some of the challenges that these great players have presented.
You just turned 22 in June. Are you single or dating anyone?
I’m currently single and I’m enjoying my single life. I have time to do the things I want to do (laughs).
Is it hard to date as such a high profile person?
I think it’s tough, just because there’s a lot going on just from basketball and school. I’m transitioning now so it has been. It hasn’t been a high priority in my life, but you know I’m content whatever state in my life where God wants me to be whether it’s in a relationship or single. I’m just enjoying life.
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What kind of things do you do for fun in the offseason?
I can enjoy anything unless it’s bungee jumping or sky diving. I wouldn’t go out of my way to do something like that (laughs). But anything, whether it’s going outside or going to movies, going out to eat. I love anything around food and family and friends. Cookouts. Something real chill and relaxed is fun to me. I like to read, I love music, singing, trying to buy the latest album of my favorite artists.
So you sing?
Yeah a little bit…
Shower singing or really singing?
I could be a pretty decent backup singer.
You also mentioned your favorite artists … who are you listening to right now?
Canton Jones out of Atlanta, Mary Mary, Toby Mack.
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You were named after Maya Angelo and have heard her speak before. How has she influenced you life and do you know her personally?
I have not met her yet. I really want to. She’s just one of those women that has so much life experience and loves to share it and teach it to others and I admire that, because I come from a family where education was very important and a lot of the people in my extended family are educators or have been in the education system somehow. And I love teaching as well, helping somebody learn something new, because I know I love learning. She does it in so many different ways and whether it’s through music or poetry or acting or directing or writing, it’s just really really fun to be able to see somebody with gifts that God’s given. She’s definitely one of those people where when she speaks you close your mouth and you listen, so it’s a pretty cool thing to know that I share a name with her.
Out of all the things that you’ve done and awards you’ve won, what do you feel is your biggest accomplishment?
It’s not even really an award. I’ll just say (becoming) the person that I am. I always want to make sure that I’m the person that I need to be and not necessarily awards or recognition. I mean those are great and I obviously love to celebrate those with the people around me. I’m just happy that my family and people in my inner circle and close around me are telling me that they’re proud of the person that I am. That’s the root to everything else that you’ve been able to see. Keeping a good perspective on things and not really getting caught up in what some awards and recognition and attention can sometimes bring.
Above: Maya and her teammate throw the opening pitches at a Minnesota Twins game in her new hometown.
