Norcross Volleyball Standout Looks Back on Winning Season

Athletics are just one facet of Maya Ballerstedt, a young woman whose passion for art, leadership may lead to a global future

Maya Ballerstedt is a senior volleyball player at Norcross High School who helped lead the Lady Blue Devils to a Region 7-7A title and a playoff appearance. Maya took time to talk with Peachtree Corners Magazine about how the Lady Blue Devils turned around a 3-10 start to the season with an 11-match winning streak. Maya also spoke about her love for art and what she’s doing to promote artists who are people of color.

How long have you been playing volleyball and how did you get into it?

I have been playing for five to six years, but I started Norcross volleyball my freshman year. I tried out for my middle school team, and I didn’t make it, but I tried out again in eighth grade and I made the team — and I’ve loved volleyball ever since.

Your senior season was pretty up and down, but you made it to the first round of the playoffs. What did you learn from this season?

We had a really great season, in my opinion. It started out rough. It was really hard and difficult, much more than any season in the past, but the entire team worked so hard, and we realized our potential. I think we ended up becoming a really good team. It’s sad that we got out so early, but we had a lot of potential.

We had a lot of players on Varsity who had been there for three years and were starters, and we also had a few freshmen who were really good, so it was a different team dynamic than other teams that I had been a part of in the past. We know how we can improve, and we like a challenge.

You guys started the season 3-10. How did you endure that?

We were losing a lot for a while. We knew that this team had a lot of potential at the beginning. Every day we just worked really hard, and I think we finally met our potential by the end of the season.

You turned it around with an 11-match winning streak.

It was awesome. So much fun. Just being a part of that team was a great experience.

What role would you say you played for your team this year?

I think as a senior, I stepped into more of a leadership role. When I was a freshman, I was very shy and intimidated by the seniors. But this year, we all cooperated with each other. I think because I stepped up into my role, I felt like I could help younger players. Even off the court, I like to think of myself as a mentor.

You had 128 kills on the season. What do you think contributed to that?

I think I became more aware of what I wanted to do and intentional with my play and my goals on and off the court.

What emotions were you feeling when you lost the playoff game knowing it would be your last game?

Even though we lost, it was a really great game, but I was crying after. It’s hard knowing that’s the last time you’re going to be playing competitive volleyball, especially because I’m not playing in college.

Have you played any other sports?

I played tennis my freshman year. I’ve been playing tennis my entire life. I picked up volleyball after tennis. I love tennis, but I like playing volleyball competitively. I love that it’s a team sport and it’s really dependent on your mindset. If you have a bad mindset that day, your team can’t win. I just liked having a team that I was with all the time and I had to depend on.

What are the memories you’re going to take away from your senior season?

I think just winning region, that was awesome. At the end of the game, our team had a big dogpile, and it was so fun.

What are your college plans?

I’m going to the University of Pennsylvania and I’m going to be studying philosophy, politics and economics. I’ve always wanted to go to a school in a city with students who are driven but also very social and outgoing. It’ll definitely be a change. I’ll be away from home, so I am nervous about that. The weather will be colder, but I’ll get a warm jacket.

What career field(s) are you interested in?

I was thinking maybe something to do with nonprofits. I’m really interested in something global.

When you’re not playing volleyball, what do you like to do?

I love art. I think art is really important. I’m in [International Baccalaureate (IB)] Art. I’m completing my gold award right now for Girl Scouts and I’m creating art curriculum for elementary schools with artists who are people of color so kids can better relate to those artists.

I love painting. Right now, my IB theme is seeing how people perceive nature depending on their culture and where they’re from.

You have any favorite shows or movies?

I like The Good Place. I like TV shows more.

What are your favorite foods?

I love sushi. It’s one of my favorite things. I love getting sushi with my friends. And mac n’ cheese.

What’s something that most people don’t know about you?

I’m very creative and I love to try new things and be adventurous.

What advice would you have for a young volleyball player?

Don’t give up. Try new things and if you think something feels awkward at first or it doesn’t feel natural, just keep on working at it and know that with hard work you will get results.