Guelph a perfect fit for Mayer
Mayla Mayer just couldn’t say no to her country.
The 18-year-old Niagara Falls native had a plethora of schools interested in her on both sides of the border, but felt most comfortable close to home.
After sifting through a stack of e-mails and doing her due diligence, Mayer finally decided on the University of Guelph, where she will be attending this fall and studying nutritional sciences.
“I was very on the edge of wanting to go NCAA or stay in Canada,” Mayer said. “I’ve always wanted to go away for school and be out there in the world as a student/athlete.
“Guelph was a last-minute type of thing. It’s not too far so I can come home and visit my parents. The thought staying in Canada was the proper fit. I felt more comfortable in my own country.”
Mayer was also impressed with Guelph’s academic programs.
“There is more to life than hockey, it’s also establishing what you want to study. It just worked out,” she said.
Mayer met with Guelph coaches Rachel Flanagan and Katie Mora, who came to visit Mayer and her Burlington Barracudas teammates on a recruiting tour.
“They were very nice and welcoming and had a great attitude which I really think is important. I feel comfortable going into that environment.”
Mayer, who attended both Saint Paul and A.N. Myer, took a year off following Grade 12 to make sure she knew exactly what she wanted to do.
She has used the time off to take on-line courses and work at a health food store to give her some background knowledge heading into school.
Mayer has played the last two seasons for the Barracudas of the Provincial Women’s Hockey League after growing up playing for the St. Catharines Female Hockey Association.
Mayer describes herself as a solid all-around player.
“I’m good in the offensive zone and the D zone. I’m a two-way player. I’m very versatile I can play all three forward positions and also on the point and I have a very strong shot.”
She also doesn’t mind mixing it up.
“I’m a big, strong kid. I’m pretty aggressive but I’m also pretty disciplined in certain situations.”
Mayer, who played competitive soccer until knee issues forced her off the pitch five years ago, gives a huge amount of credit to Sara Bauer for helping her.
“I’ve worked with Sara since I was 13. She’s been like me mentor through all of this. I honestly don’t know where I would be without her,” she said.
Mayer also puts in her time in the gym, sometimes hitting the weights twice a day.
“I always trying to better myself and always want to improve,” she said. “I feel going to the next level will definitely be challenging but I love to challenge myself.”
She still has a few months to get ready for school, but is already raring to go.
“I’m am so excited, so out-of-this-world excited. It’s also nerve wracking because you never know what’s in store or what can happen.”
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