Souderton senior Maria Deaviz was recognized for signing a letter of intent to continue her track & field career at the University of Virginia. (Photo provided)
Maria Deaviz – University of Virginia (Track & Field)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: Virginia, Penn State, Maryland
Reasons for choosing UVA: “UVA is an amazing university that allows anyone to reach their full potential not only as a student but also as an athlete. With great staff, teams and opportunities available at the University of Virginia, I had to make it my home! WAHOOWA!!”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “I’ve always wanted to be a college athlete. I grew up playing soccer and basketball but found myself as a shot putter my sophomore year of high school. I set goals for myself and trained very hard to accomplish them. Colleges started to call, send letters and contact my coaches the summer of my junior year.”
Coach Mike Feliciani says: “Maria is the standard bearer in shot put in so many ways. In our school, the old record was 36 feet, so she’s put on 14-15 feet on that record, which is a ridiculous distance. She holds the conference record for the shot put and the indoor state. She’s just a ridiculous talent. You coach for a long time to have someone that exceptional, and to have two seasons taken away from her – my heart breaks for her.
“She’s such a freak as an athlete, and last year at the conference meet, I had her throwing the javelin as well as the shot and the discus. She pulled her hamstring at the conference meet throwing the javelin. It hurt so bad she couldn’t go to districts, which means you can’t go to states.
“Maria is really fun loving, and she always has a smile on her face. She loves to laugh. When she’s in the circle, it’s like a switch goes off and she’s got that edge to her. I can’t remember who said it, but they said that the really good athletes have a mean streak in them, and it’s like she really knows when to flip the switch.
“On an everyday basis, she’s the most fun and smiling kid you ever met, but you can’t deny the talent she has. Her indoor throw (at states) is the outdoor record, and she’s throwing four or five feet further than that now, She’s going to outdoor nationals in South Dakota in late July, and she’s going to make a run at it. I don’t know that I’ll ever encounter an athlete like her.
About Maria:
Favorite food: New York Strip Steak
Favorite TV show: Game of Thrones
Favorite music: Hip-Hop
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