From NYU Athletics

While Maya Wasowicz's New York University women's basketball teammates were preparing for the 2014-15 season in early November, the junior captain was roughly 4,000 miles away.

Wasowicz spent the early part of November at the 22nd Karate World Championships in Bremen, Germany, where she finished in seventh place in the world in the female elite Kumite +68 kg division. Of the 10 fighters representing the United States in Germany, the New York City native was the only one to finish among the top eight of their division.

Kumite is a form of karate with an emphasis on control and technique. Matches are two minutes long and based on a point system. Points are earned for successful punches, body kicks, take downs, and head kicks.

Wasowicz qualified for the Karate World Championships with a first-place finish at the USA Karate Nationals, which were held in Reno, NV, in July. In addition to qualifying for the World Championships, Wasowicz's success at the national tournament also qualified her for the Pan American Championships in Toronto, Canada on March 19-21, 2015 and the North American Cup in Las Vegas, NV on April 5, 2015.

The junior economics major has had no issues balancing international success in karate with her basketball career as a Violet and the tough academic requirements all NYU student-athletes encounter.

"It is a little easier for me than it may be for others because of the people around me," revealed Wasowicz. "My coaches are extremely supportive. If I'm ever struggling, my friends and family are always there to help me figure things out."

Through eight games this season, Wasowicz has helped the #10/#11 (D3hoops.com/USA Today) ranked Violets jump out to an undefeated start. She has contributed in every game thus far, including a career-high 15-point effort in a season-opening win against Western Connecticut State University. The guard/forward is currently averaging 6.8 ppg and is 17-19 (.895) from the free throw line.

"Maya brings a great deal of resiliency and confidence to our team," said NYU Head Coach Lauren Hall-Gregory. "Her success in karate has helped separate her from the average student-athlete and also plays a part in our team's success. I consider myself lucky to coach her."