By DRAKE PRICE
Triangle contributing writer
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference between volleyball success and volleyball failure.”
For Maya Van Heyst, a junior setter on the Wingate volleyball team, this quote isn’t just a motto—it’s a reflection of who she is every time she steps onto the court.
Whether she’s setting up a teammate for a perfect kill or diving to save a rally, Van Heyst’s energy radiates through every point, every play and every celebration. Her smile, always present and genuine, has become the spark that ignites her team’s confidence and camaraderie.
In her senior campaign, Van Heyst has led the Bulldogs to an undefeated South Atlantic Conference regular-season championship and a 25-1 overall record. Wingate is ranked No. 17 nationally and hasn’t lost since its second match of the season on Sept. 5 against nonconference opponent Lewis University.
Growing up in Tampa, Fla., Van Heyst’s volleyball journey began in her own backyard. With her mom as her first partner, she learned early that volleyball wasn’t just about competition—it was about connection.
“I started playing in my backyard with my mom,” the 5-11 Communication major recalls. “Then I joined a church league in third grade and started club volleyball when I was 12.”
Those simple beginnings led to a love that has only grown stronger over the years. Her inspiration comes from the people closest to her—her parents, brothers and boyfriend.
“They’re all inspirational in different ways,” she says. “I always try to embody the best parts of them on and off the court.”
That grounding influence shows in the way she leads: calm but confident, fierce yet full of joy. For Van Heyst, leadership isn’t about commanding attention—it’s about giving it.
“I love my team and just want to find ways to encourage them to be their best self,” she says.
That selfless mentality has translated into exceptional success at Wingate, where she quickly became one of the most dynamic and versatile players in the South Atlantic Conference. As both a setter and hitter, her 2024 sophomore season was nothing short of phenomenal. Van Heyst finished that year with honors that included first-team All-SAC, first-team All-Region and third-team All-American. She was also named to the NCAA’s Southeast Region All-Tournament Team and helped the Bulldogs win that regional to reach the NCAA Elite Eight in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Her impact goes beyond accolades. Statistically, she was a driving force in Wingate’s national ranking—third in kills per set and fourth in both hitting percentage and assists per set. Starting all 34 matches and playing in all 116 sets, she handed out 801 assists, added 225 kills, 363 digs, 47 blocks and 41 aces while averaging 6.91 assists, 1.94 kills and 3.13 digs per set. She led the SAC with 41 aces and ranked fifth in both assists and aces per set. Her versatility also earned her an impressive 19 double-doubles and four triple-doubles, ranking eighth nationally in that category.
Recently, she staged as repeat as SAC Player of the Week for the last two weeks of October, helping Wingate push its winning streak to 23 straight games. As of early November, Van Heyst ranked among 16th nationally in assists per set (10.67) while leading the SAC in that category.
Her performances have told the story of an athlete who thrives under pressure. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about Van Heyst isn’t found in numbers. It’s her attitude. Her ever-present smile and contagious positivity transform the atmosphere on the court for the Bulldogs. No matter the score, her body language radiates optimism, and her energy spreads like wildfire. Teammates feed off her joy, finding their own rhythm through her encouragement.
Wingate coaches say this year’s team has the best on-court body language of any team they’ve ever seen, and much of that comes back to Van Heyst’s positive leadership presence. She plays with the rare ability to balance intensity with joy—a combination that keeps her teammates loose, focused and fearless.
Her success didn’t happen overnight. During her freshman season in 2023, Van Heyst appeared in 30 matches and played in 105 sets, earning a spot on the All-SAC Freshman Team. She tallied 590 assists, 22 aces, 22 kills and averaged 5.62 assists and 1.92 digs per set. That first year laid the foundation for the breakout sophomore campaign that followed, showing her relentless drive to improve and ability to balance growth with grace.
Looking ahead, Van Heyst has big dreams beyond the hardwood at Cuddy Arena. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree—possibly while continuing her athletic career in both indoor and beach volleyball at the Division 1 level. Her love for the game goes deeper than the trophies or titles.
“I love volleyball for the adrenaline, the team aspect, the energy between teammates while playing and the way you can continually push yourself to be better every day,” she says.
That continuous pursuit of “better”—both as a player and a person—defines Maya Van Heyst. From backyard games in Tampa to college championships, she has become the heartbeat of her team and a role model for anyone who believes joy and excellence can coexist. Her smile, her spirit and selfless leadership remind everyone watching that in volleyball—and in life—attitude really is everything.
Wingate Triangle 