Montana's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has adopted 'More Than An Athlete' as its slogan, hoping to showcase that each of them have interests, passions and pursuits beyond their field of play. Each week throughout the summer, Griz student-athletes will share personal, first-hand letters about who they are and what the slogan means to them.
To read more about the initiative, click here. For an archive of previous first-hand stories, click here.
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Maria in Washington D.C., where she was a Baucus Leader and was able to
explore and learn about many historic areas of the U.S. Capitol.Maria Goheen, Women's Tennis
A native of Aurora, Illinois, Maria Goheen led the Griz women's tennis team in 2023 for singles victories, including the clinching point vs. Eastern Washington, which punched Montana's ticket to the Big Sky tournament. Earlier this spring, she also was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week. But she is More Than An Athlete, as described below, in her own words:
Outside of my sport, I have been involved in a variety of things with the support of the University of Montana. During my undergrad, I was part of the Davidson Honors College and received a certificate through the Franke Global Leader Initiative. During the summer of 2021, I was part of the Montana New Women's Leadership Initiative, which was a great opportunity to meet amazing female leaders of Montana and learn from their unique and inspiring stories. I was part of the Student Advisory Council of the Mansfield Center in 2021, which was a wonderful opportunity to help plan community events and raise awareness for the Mansfield Center's special and important mission.
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Maria with Senator Grassley of Iowa.
During the summer of 2022, I had the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. as a Baucus Leader and intern in a senator's office in the heart of our country! I have worked as a legal assistant for an immigration law firm in town, which was an amazing experience and provided me with a great source of knowledge. For about a year, I also worked as an intern for CASA of Missoula (Court Appointed Special Advocates). For those who are unaware, CASA helps provide a voice for children in the court system and advocates for their best interests. I have recently transitioned into a staff position and am now the events and outreach coordinator. It is a great opportunity to connect with community members and organizations who have a similar passion and interest in child welfare.
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Being 'More Than An Athlete' and being part of different organizations and groups has been a big part of my time here in Missoula. I believe it to be a great opportunity to grow beyond a student-athlete, but also as a community member. It has been exciting to be able to connect with different groups through sports, as many are interested and passionate about Griz Athletics.
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Tennis will always be an important part of my life, but it has also been important for me to gain different life experiences to prepare for a future beyond sports. I am confident that Montana has given me the experiences both in and outside of sports to be successful after my time here.
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Maria, during 2021, at the Montana New Women's Initiative.
