Meet Maya Sofia Popova!

Tell us about yourself!

I am from Madison, New Jersey, USA. I am a 5th grade student in Kings Road Elementary School. My hockey story is that I have an older brother who plays hockey. When I started Learn to Skate at three years of age, my brother’s hockey coach saw me skate and talked my parents into letting me try hockey. I fell in love with hockey right away!

For the last seven years that I have been playing hockey, I have played on both boys and girls teams. I am currently playing defense on the NJ Devils Youth Squirt Major boys team. I am the only girl on the team and often times the only girl in the division, but it’s a good challenge so I love it!

What made you want to be a WHL Brand Ambassador?

I really support the growth of girls hockey and want the best for future generations of girls in this sport. There are not enough girls playing hockey… we need more players from all ages and from all over the world.

What are you most looking forward to as a #WHLAMBASSADOR?

Participating in any event that grows women’s hockey!

What’s something not a lot of people know about you?

I like to act and I am looking forward to auditioning for the 5th grade play in my school. I also love to draw, dance, sing or anything to do with art. I used to be a high level gymnast and nowadays in addition to hockey I play tennis, soccer, ski, and figure skate!

If you could sit down and have dinner with one female hockey player, who would it be and why?

Amanda Kessel. I have already met her twice and talked a bit, but I want to ask her about her training, playing boys hockey as the only girl on the team, and her career path.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given in hockey or in life?

What people say about you says more about them.

What’s your dream for women’s hockey?

My dream for women’s hockey is to become as big as the NHL in terms of fans, attendance, and pay.

Want to join our #WHLAmbassador team?

Get more details and apply here!