Nearly 400,000 female athletes play soccer for their high school team each year across the United States. Roughly 2.4% of these players will make it to the NCAA to play at the top levels of collegiate soccer. With diligence, discipline, and dedication, Julia Maher (‘26) fits into this elite category of exemplary athletes. Maher has recently committed to Central Connecticut State University to play Division I soccer.
There was never a doubt in Maher’s mind that she wanted to play college soccer, but in order to achieve these goals, she had to push her game to the next level. For the past 5 years, Maher has played club soccer for PDA South ECNL, one of the top programs and teams in the country. Playing with and against the best athletes in her class has helped Maher to grow into a stronger athlete. In addition, she has been a starter, making an impact on the Cherry Hill High School East girls soccer team since her freshman year.
This past season, Maher had 5 goals and 12 assists for East. Maher primarily plays center back, but also plays a combination of center midfielder and center back.
“She has the ability to dribble through everyone and the capability to prevent every ball from getting past her,” said teammate, Jessie Atlas (‘27).
With a work ethic like Maher’s, it is no shock that Central Connecticut State sought to place her on their roster.
“I never give up and push my teammates to give all they have too,” Maher said.
Soccer is a top priority for Maher; she always performs at her maximum effort, never missing practice, training, or games.
Maher is thrilled about her commitment to Central Connecticut State, explaining how she could easily see herself there and that she enjoyed the coaching staff and teammates.
As Maher reaches her aspirations of playing Division I soccer, she reflects on how the sport has affected her personal growth.
“Soccer has taught me how important patience, hard work, and discipline are. It has taught me to trust the process and let things all work out on their own,” Maher said.