2022 Free Agent Maya Coen
Maya Coen
Interview conducted on 11/30/2021
Who are you playing with in 2022, and who have you played with in the past?
2022 – Free Agent – coen.maya@gmail.com
2021 – KC Naturals/Carnage (B)
2020 – KC Naturals/Carnage (C)
What positions do you play and what is your best position?
IF/Utility – Primarily 3rd or 2nd
Why do you like the game of softball?
It's always been there for me, it's my greatest passion & I've been playing since I was in elementary school. Softball just brings me so much joy.
What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
Maya Papaya – it's been my nickname since elementary school.
Where do you call home?
Kansas City, Missouri
What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
Playing ball or hanging out with friends.
What do you do for a living?
Middle School Mathematics Teacher
Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
– I played varsity softball all 4 years, 4 years of varsity soccer, & 3 years of basketball at Truman High School in Independence, Missouri.
– I momentarily played college softball at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri.
How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
I made a post in KC Adult Softball & a coed team found me in 2017. I didn't start playing Women's til 2018 & 2019 with Tonia Turner out of KC with the D team Pussy Riot, now Dream Killers. Then, KC Naturals asked me to join their C Women's Team in 2020. That's who I played with for 2021. Naturals kind of fell apart, so now looking for a 2022 Women's team.
What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
Consistency with competition, rules, calls, & professionalism. Really enjoy the way conference is ran compared to local sanctioned tourney.
What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
My memory isn't that good, so a time that sticks out to me is 2020 USSSA C World's in Viera, Florida. I was able to show up for my team and I hit really well, on top of had a great defensive tournament. It was also just a time where it all clicked for us & our chemistry.
In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
There wasn't ONE person who had a significant impact. I would say anyone who's come into my softball world has made an impact with me. Whether that's advice, compliments, tips, and/or support, they all meant something to me & continue to mean something to me because as an athlete that's all you can do is continue to improve your game. How hard you work after people put time into you is the outcome of that impact & love for the game.
What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
Stay consistent & never stop loving the game. The moment you stop loving it, is the moment it stops being fun. Play this game because you want to, not because you feel forced.
What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
Workout, BP, & try to work on defensive drills.
What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees for MLB
KC Chiefs for NFL
Miami Heat fan for NBA
Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
Don't cross the bats.
What would be your "at bat" music selection?
Gasolina by Daddy Yankee – The Benchwarmers is my favorite movie.
What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Make sure local areas follow national rules to make sure there is consistency & fairness. That way there wouldn't be so many arguments over the "rule book". Including the consistency with the strike zone.
What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Sanctioned Tourney – Boo N Brew
Non-sanctioned Tourney – Pottawatomie County Fair Charity Tourney in Onaga, KS
What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
Capitol Federal – Turf fields, close to home, and not overly strict.
Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I recently lost 50 pounds & I am trying to work on losing more weight. Also trying to increase my strength & speed as well.
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