Athlete of the Issue - Maya Lloyd ‘25

Maya Lloyd ‘25 is the senior co-captain of Middlesex Girls Varsity Soccer. Lloyd has contributed to MXGVS in countless ways since her freshman year when she first stepped on Chapel Field. Wearing jersey number eight, Lloyd is a force in the midfield: her speed combined with her impressive footwork is unstoppable. It is not uncommon to hear the opponents shouting from the sidelines, “GET ON 8! GET ON 8! SHE’S FAST!” However, even when the opposition can catch up to Maya, she has one last juke in her back pocket. Importantly, Lloyd is not only an individual contributor. Lloyd’s incredible field vision consistently creates opportunities for the forward line whether it be with a perfectly placed through ball that leads to an easy finish for the striker, or a well timed run to receive a pass from the striker. Lloyd always knows where to be on the field and often helps direct her teammates into optimal position. 

Lloyd’s defensive contributions are equally notable. Lloyd never leaves a 50-50 ball unchallenged, and more often than not, she comes out of an aggressive battle with the ball. Whether there are one, two, or even three opponents challenging Lloyd, she fights fiercely and often beats the odds of the battle. Fans watching Lloyd may wonder how she can possibly so consistently come out of a jumble with the ball. Lloyd’s defensive success comes from a mixture of raw talent and relentless toughness. 

Although Lloyd is typically a designated center-attacking midfielder, she willingly runs the extra yards to track back on a potential threatening counter attack in the defensive third. Lloyd covers for her teammates by picking up unmarked players in dangerous scoring positions. Lloyd’s defensive contributions are sometimes subtle, but nonetheless, are crucial to the success of MXGVS. 

Lloyd’s talent and knowledge for the game of soccer are felt in every aspect of the game. She is one of the team’s top scorers and playmakers, as well as a defensive asset. Her game statistics speak for themselves. In MXGVS’s first scrimmage against Concord-Carlisle High School, Lloyd put her team on the board after skillfully dribbling through two lines of defense and finally, finishing in the low corners, directly passed CCHS’s goalkeeper. After putting Middlesex in the lead, Lloyd defended smartly and helped lead MXGVS to their first win on Chapel Field of the 2024 season. 

Perhaps the most important aspect of Lloyd’s game is her spirit. Lloyd is truly the glue of the team. She brings all 21 players into her circle, making every single player feel valued both on and off the field. Lloyd pushes her teammates to be better by pushing the pace during fitness challenges and bringing others with her. Lloyd strikes the perfect balance between leading by example and leading by encouragement. During every drill of every practice, Lloyd holds herself to the highest standards. She corrects her mistakes and always looks to increase the work rate. In doing so, without even saying anything, Lloyd inspires her teammates to do the same. She is constantly aware of her teammates and is the first to reach out to someone who needs a pick-me-up. Lloyd is a rare teammate to find as she genuinely never gets upset with anyone no matter the consequences of their mistake. Lloyd’s immediate response to mistakes is “how can I help, and how can I help my teammates.” This incredible, rare quality is one that is of paramount importance to the positive team culture of which Lloyd is a key contributor. Lloyd often creates the happiest moments of laughter for the team with her crazy ideas, and can always remedy a tense situation with her unique humor. Lloyd has a remarkable ability to connect with both individuals and the larger group, as she is a role model and a friend for her teammates. With plans to continue her athletic career in the collegiate league, Lloyd will continue to showcase her talent well beyond the MX soccer field. Maya Lloyd is an incredible player, and an even better teammate - anyone is lucky to have on their side of the field. 

Avery Green