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."