Maya Dickson

Maya is a 17 year old student of New Plymouth Girls' High School that will represent New Zealand at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

How did you get into your sport? My Dad got me into the sport when I was in Year 8. He is the coach at my high school. In Year 8 I started going along to train with the older girls who were in the high school team and I absolutely loved it.

What do you love about the sport? I love that beach volleyball is a game of both physical and mental strength. In order to win, you and your partner must demonstrate both of these attributes to a very high level. This sport has taught me so many life skills which I use in my day-to-day life such as resilience, commitment and passion. It has also created a very strong work ethic in me. This work-ethic has helped me to achieve not just in my sport but in other areas of my life which is awesome.

What inspires you? My Dad definitely inspires me to strive to be the best version of myself and the best athlete I can be. His work ethic and determination is something that inspires me every day. I think another key thing that inspires me is success. I am inspired by watching events like the Olympic Games and World Championships. Watching athletes compete at those events makes me want to push myself harder in order to get there one day.

Career highlight: Winning Gold at the FIVB Oceania U19 Beach Volleyball Championships.