Grace Van der Waag ’26, Audrey Manion ’26
Energetic, speedy, and bubbly, Senior soccer star Maya Bright is an example of stellar leadership, determination, and grit. Kicking off her career at just four years old, her father enrolled her in the Lower Merion Soccer Club. Thirteen years later, Bright has become a crucial asset to the Episcopal Academy Girls Soccer team. Since entering EA in 9th grade, Bright has been on Varsity.
“Every Inter-Ac team knows how dangerous she can be at any moment,” states Varsity head coach Andrew Fraggos. Playing the striker position in the extremely competitive Inter-Ac is not an easy task, yet Bright approaches it with confidence and determination. Having scored an astounding 40 goals in her high school career, Bright is not only clutch but a key contributor. Co-Captain Quinn Whitaker ’25 comments, “Every game, Maya has the most talented and athletic defenders guarding her. But, she always figures out a way to get by them. And if she’s guarded by multiple players, she’ll change her game to help her teammates get open—she knows and prioritizes putting the team first”.
Bright’s agile pace and extreme work ethic separate her from her competitors. Because of these talents, Bright stands and excels against the league’s toughest defenders. Furthermore, Maya’s communication with her teammates is a vital factor that plays into her team’s success—in both practices and games, Bright embodies this notion. Her leadership qualities and positive attitude on and off the field speak to her character and are never overlooked. Specifically, Senior Co-Captain Lauren Creamer ’25 states, “She’s a good spokesperson. When someone’s down, she’s always there to uplift them. Bright speaks for the group but for the better half of it. She’ll read a room and tell if something is right or wrong.” Bright knows how to express her emotions clearly while mitigating those of her teammates and the collective. Few possess such talents, which is what makes Bright a natural-born leader.
Photo courtesy of James Quinn Sports
Additionally, Bright’s mental approach to her soccer career highlights her ability to adapt to any situation. Fraggos shares his thoughts, saying, “It’s the growth in her mental approach over the past four years that truly stands out. In the past, a poor play or game might have thrown her off, but since last season, she’s learned to let it go and focus on what’s next.” Further quoting Ted Lasso, Fraggos says, “Be a goldfish. Mistakes are part of every game, and the ability to move on and focus on the next play often separates good athletes from great ones.” Bright’s ability to overlook and learn from mistakes while maintaining her own game without allowing her opponents to catch her off guard is one of many talents that has played a crucial role in the team’s overall growth. Following her example, teammates and coaches alike have grown from Bright’s optimism and thoughtful mentality.
In addition to her numerous feats with EA soccer, Bright was one of the stars who led the girls’ team to win PAISSA. Offensively, Bright was a main contributor to the team’s achievement of this milestone with her agility, game awareness, and technique. Taking on the Westtown School in November of last year, EA took a narrow victory with a final score of (1-0). Bright further goes on to describe the feeling of winning PAISSA, calling it “relieving and emotional. I hope that the team’s achievement will be carried down into the legacy of EA girls’ soccer. It was an overwhelming feeling of joy, and I was more than proud of how far we came as a team.”
Playing at the collegiate level has been a lifelong dream for Bright. In August of 2023, promptly before the start of her junior season, she committed to the University of Pittsburgh, looking to play at the Division I level. She chose Pitt because “you can tell that the program cares about each individual person. They look past just being athletes, and it’s a family there.”