Maya McDermott is making waves in college basketball as a standout guard for the Northern Iowa Panthers. The senior from Johnston, Iowa has become a key player for UNI, leading her team to new heights. McDermott’s exceptional scoring ability and leadership on the court have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, solidifying her position as one of the top performers in NCAA women’s basketball.
McDermott’s impact was on full display when she led all scorers with a career-high 37 points in UNI’s upset victory over 8th-ranked Iowa State. This performance not only earned her Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week honors but also marked the Panthers’ first win against a top-10 opponent in program history. Her shooting accuracy and ability to contribute in multiple areas make her a versatile threat on the court.
As the 2024-25 season progresses, McDermott continues to impress. She’s averaging 24.1 points per game with a remarkable 50.7% field goal percentage, placing her among the top five scoring leaders in NCAA women’s basketball. Her consistent high-level play has been crucial to UNI’s success and has put her on the radar for potential professional opportunities after college.
Who Is Maya McDermott?
Maya McDermott is a talented basketball player for the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Panthers. She has made a significant impact on the team with her impressive skills and leadership on the court.
Where Did Maya McDermott Grow Up?
Maya McDermott grew up in Johnston, Iowa. She attended Johnston High School, where she excelled in basketball.
During her high school career, McDermott was a standout player. She earned All-State honors for four consecutive years.
In her senior year, McDermott led Johnston High School to great success. The team won the Class 5A state championship in the 2019-20 season. Her leadership and skill were crucial to this achievement.
McDermott’s performances in high school set records. She was named captain of the All-Tournament Team. In that tournament, she set a class record with 21 assists in a single game.
Who Are Maya McDermott’s Parents?
Maya McDermott’s parents are Mike and Jill McDermott. Her father, Mike McDermott, is the CEO of Zirous, a technology company. He has been supportive of Maya’s basketball career.
Mike McDermott gained attention when he praised Maya’s performance on social media. This occurred after Maya scored a career-high 37 points in a game against Iowa State. The game was significant as it marked UNI’s first-ever victory over a top-10 opponent.
Maya’s parents have likely played a crucial role in her development as an athlete. Their support has been evident throughout her basketball journey.
Who Is Maya McDermott Dating?
Information about Maya McDermott’s dating life is not publicly available. As a college athlete, McDermott’s focus appears to be on her basketball career and academic pursuits at the University of Northern Iowa.
It’s important to respect athletes’ privacy regarding their personal lives. McDermott’s public image primarily revolves around her achievements on the basketball court and her role as a student-athlete.
What Car Does Maya McDermott Drive?
There is no public information available about the specific car Maya McDermott drives. As a college student-athlete, her transportation choices are likely practical and suited to campus life.
Many college athletes rely on various transportation methods, including:
- Walking or biking on campus
- Public transportation
- Carpooling with teammates
- Personal vehicles (if permitted by NCAA rules)
Without concrete information, it’s best not to speculate about McDermott’s personal vehicle choices.
Maya McDermott’s Social Media Presence
Maya McDermott maintains a presence on social media platforms. While specific details about her accounts are not provided in the search results, it’s common for college athletes to use social media for:
- Sharing highlights from games and practices
- Connecting with fans and supporters
- Promoting team events and achievements
- Showcasing their personal brand
As a key player for UNI, McDermott likely uses social media to engage with the Panther community. Her posts may offer insights into her life as a student-athlete.
It’s important to note that college athletes often follow guidelines set by their universities and the NCAA regarding social media use.
How to Get in Contact with Maya McDermott
Direct contact information for Maya McDermott is not publicly available. This is common for privacy and security reasons. However, there are several appropriate channels for reaching out:
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UNI Athletics Department:
- Contact the women’s basketball team office
- They can forward messages to players if appropriate
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Social Media:
- Follow Maya’s official accounts (if public)
- Engage respectfully with her posts
-
Public Events:
- Attend UNI basketball games or fan events
- There may be opportunities for autographs or brief interactions
-
University Channels:
- Contact UNI’s sports information department for media inquiries
Remember to always respect athletes’ privacy and follow proper protocols when attempting to make contact.
Maya McDermott’s High School Basketball Career
Maya McDermott had a stellar high school basketball career that set the stage for her success at UNI. She excelled on the court, earning accolades and catching the eye of college recruiters.
Where Did Maya McDermott Attend High School
Maya McDermott attended Johnston High School in Johnston, Iowa. The school is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball. Johnston High School competes in Class 5A, the largest classification in Iowa high school sports.
McDermott played varsity basketball for the Johnston Dragons all four years of high school. She quickly became a standout player and team leader. The Dragons consistently performed well in their conference and state tournaments during McDermott’s tenure.
What Were Maya McDermott’s Stats in High School
Maya McDermott put up impressive numbers throughout her high school career. As a senior, she averaged 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. Her shooting percentages were equally impressive, with a 48% field goal percentage and 38% from three-point range.
McDermott’s junior year stats were also noteworthy:
- 15.8 points per game
- 3.9 assists per game
- 2.8 steals per game
She consistently improved her stats each year, demonstrating her dedication to the sport and her ability to elevate her game.
What Awards Did Maya McDermott Win in High School
Maya McDermott’s exceptional play earned her numerous awards and recognition. Some of her most notable achievements include:
- Two-time First Team All-State selection
- Three-time All-Conference First Team honoree
- Iowa Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game participant
- McDonald’s All-American nominee
McDermott was also named team MVP in her junior and senior seasons. Her leadership skills were recognized when she was selected as team captain for her final two years of high school.
What Schools Recruited Maya McDermott
Maya McDermott’s talents attracted attention from several college programs. While the full list of schools that recruited her is not publicly available, it’s known that she received interest from multiple Division I programs.
UNI emerged as the top choice for McDermott. The Missouri Valley Conference school offered her the opportunity to play high-level basketball close to home. Other in-state schools like Iowa State and Drake University likely showed interest as well.
McDermott’s decision to commit to UNI was influenced by factors such as:
- The program’s strong reputation
- Proximity to her hometown
- Potential for immediate playing time
- Connection with the coaching staff
Her choice has proven successful, as she’s become a key player for the Panthers.
Maya McDermott’s College Basketball Career
Maya McDermott has made a significant impact on the University of Northern Iowa women’s basketball team. Her skills as a guard have led to impressive performances and recognition in the Missouri Valley Conference.
How Has Maya McDermott Performed in the NCAA
Maya McDermott has shown remarkable growth during her time with the UNI Panthers. She scored a career-high 37 points against No. 8 Iowa State, leading her team to an upset victory over a top-10 opponent. This performance highlighted her ability to step up in big games.
McDermott’s consistent play has been evident in her statistics. She has improved her scoring average each season, while also contributing in other areas of the game.
Her playmaking abilities are reflected in her assists per game, which have steadily increased. McDermott’s defensive skills are also noteworthy, with multiple games recording three steals or more.
Has Maya McDermott Won Any NCAA Awards?
Maya McDermott has garnered several accolades during her college career. She earned a spot on the All-MVC First Team, recognizing her as one of the top players in the conference.
Her academic achievements have not gone unnoticed. McDermott was named to the MVC Honor Roll, highlighting her success both on the court and in the classroom.
She has also received Player of the Week honors, acknowledging standout performances throughout the season. These awards demonstrate McDermott’s all-around impact on the UNI women’s basketball program.
What Is Maya McDermott’s NBA Draft Projection?
As a player in women’s college basketball, Maya McDermott is not eligible for the NBA draft. However, her performances have put her on the radar for professional women’s basketball leagues.
McDermott’s scoring ability, especially from beyond the arc, is highly valued in modern basketball. Her skills as a point guard, including court vision and decision-making, are assets that professional teams look for.
Her success against top-ranked opponents, like Iowa State, shows she can compete at a high level. This could boost her stock for the WNBA draft or international leagues.
Similar Players to Maya McDermott
Players with similar skill sets to Maya McDermott include guards who excel in both scoring and playmaking. Becky Hammon, a former WNBA star, shares McDermott’s ability to score from distance and create for teammates.
Current college players like Caitlin Clark of Iowa and Paige Bueckers of UConn showcase similar all-around games. They combine scoring prowess with excellent passing and court vision.
In the WNBA, players like Kelsey Plum and Sabrina Ionescu represent the type of impact McDermott could have at the next level. These guards can take over games with their scoring while also setting up teammates for success.
Maya McDermott’s NIL, Transfer Portal, Net Worth
Maya McDermott, the standout guard for Northern Iowa, has made waves in college basketball. Her success on the court has opened doors for NIL deals and raised questions about her potential in the transfer portal.
What NIL Deals Does Maya McDermott Have?
Maya McDermott has capitalized on her basketball skills to secure NIL deals. While specific details are limited, it’s likely she has partnerships with local businesses in Iowa. These could include endorsements for sports equipment, appearances at community events, or social media promotions.
College athletes like McDermott can now profit from their name, image, and likeness. This change has transformed college basketball, allowing players to earn money while still in school.
McDermott’s high-scoring performances, including her 37-point game against Iowa State, have likely increased her marketability. Companies often seek athletes with strong on-court results and a positive public image.
How Much Is Maya McDermott Making in NIL?
The exact amount Maya McDermott earns from NIL deals is not public knowledge. NIL earnings can vary widely based on an athlete’s performance, popularity, and market size.
Top college basketball players at major programs can earn six or seven figures annually. However, as a player at a mid-major school like Northern Iowa, McDermott’s earnings are likely more modest.
Factors that could boost her NIL value include:
- Her status as one of the NCAA’s top scorers
- Northern Iowa’s historic win over a top-10 opponent
- Her local popularity in Iowa
Estimates for mid-major basketball stars often range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year in NIL earnings. McDermott’s actual income could fall within or outside this range.
Has Maya McDermott Used the Transfer Portal?
As of January 2025, Maya McDermott has not entered the transfer portal. She has remained loyal to Northern Iowa throughout her college career.
The transfer portal allows student-athletes to explore opportunities at other schools without getting permission from their current school. It has become a major factor in college sports since its introduction.
McDermott’s decision to stay at Northern Iowa speaks to her commitment to the program. Her success with the Panthers, including setting career highs and leading the team to major victories, suggests she has found a good fit.
If McDermott were to enter the portal, she would likely attract interest from larger programs. Her scoring ability and experience could make her a valuable addition to many teams.
What Is Maya McDermott’s Net Worth?
Maya McDermott’s exact net worth is not publicly available. As a college athlete, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) does not pay her a salary.
NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from earning money for their athletic abilities. However, recent changes allow players to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
McDermott may have opportunities to earn through endorsement deals, social media partnerships, or appearances. Her impressive performances on the court could increase her marketability.
McDermott’s 24.1 points per game average puts her among the top scorers in NCAA women’s basketball. Future professional prospects may impact her potential earnings. A successful college career could lead to opportunities in the WNBA or overseas leagues.
It’s important to note that college athletes often focus on their education and athletic development rather than building wealth during their NCAA careers.
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