Getting to Know U: Junior Brynna Maxwell
Utah's Brynna Maxwell returns for her third season with the Utes. Last season, Maxwell earned Pac-12 All-Conference honorable mention honors. She averaged a team-high 32.3 minutes and 12.8 points per game in 21 starts. She ranked in the top-11 in the Pac-12 in free throw percentage (1st,.924), three-pointers made per game (7th, 2.05), and scoring (11th, 12.8), also ranking third nationally in free throw percentage. Maxwell scored a career-high 34 points against Oregon State, which was the most for a Pac-12 player during the regular season. For her 34-point performance, she earned College Sports Madness National Player of the Week and Pac-12 Player of the Week.
Maxwell recently caught up with UtahUtes.com to chat about why she is looking forward to this season, what made her fall in love with the game, and what her dream job is after graduation.
Season tickets for the 2021-22 season are now available. Floor seats are priced at $100 while general admission tickets at $25. Call the Utah ticket office at 801-581-UTIX or visit www.UtahTickets.com.
Q: When did you start playing basketball? Who was your favorite player growing up?
A: I first started playing when I was two years old. My favorite player growing up was Sue Bird. I won her basketball card when I was nine, and it was my first introduction to the WNBA.
Q: What about the sport of basketball made you fall in love with it?
A: My parents were the reason I started playing basketball, it was the family sport, and I was introduced to it right away. I kept playing because of how much fun it was. I love absolutely everything about basketball. I could play, watch, and talk about it all day, every day.
Q: What about the University of Utah made you want to continue your career here?
A: I fell in love with the family atmosphere here. The players and coaches have always been super inviting and supportive. No other school compared to the U in that aspect. Utah was also the first school that believed in me. They were my first phone call, offer, visit, etc. They have always believed in my abilities, even before nobody else did.
Q: What has been your favorite part about playing basketball at Utah so Far?
A: The competitiveness. Every single weekend you play a top 25 team. The Pac-12 is no joke. We get the opportunity to compete against high-level schools and players on a weekly basis. I have improved so much mentally and physically just from being thrown into the gauntlet of the Pac-12.
Q: Who in your life has been the most influential in getting you where you are today?
A: My dad for sure. He taught me everything I know when it comes to basketball. He has never once said no when I asked to get shots up. He will leave work early to rebound for me. He used to record my high school games so we could go over film together. He has supported me my whole life, and I can't thank him enough. He comes to almost every one of my games and is always ready to chat after them, win or lose. I would not be anywhere close to the player I am today without him.
Q: What is your dream job and why?
A: My dream job is to play professionally in the WNBA. Ever since I saw my first game in third grade, I have wanted to play at that level. Being able to play against the best basketball players in the world sounds fantastic to me, and I want to get there.
Q: What was it like growing up in your hometown? Any specific memories that stand out?
A: I grew up in a small town that had two high schools in it. We hated each other, so our rivalry games against them were always something to remember. It did not matter what sport it was. They were always packed out. Our game against them was so full my senior year that they had to shut the doors on people trying to get in. There were about 2000 people crammed into our gym. We ended up winning by one point at the buzzer, and it was one of the highlights of my career.
Q: What is your favorite basketball moment growing and why?
A: My favorite moment was winning the state championship my junior year. It was the first state title the basketball team had won in school history, and it played out like a movie. We were the underdogs the whole tournament and kept surprising teams every night. The final game did not end until after midnight the following day, and we ended setting a state record in the process.
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
A: I have a twin brother. He is 12 minutes younger than me, and we are complete opposites. He's into music and knows how to play a ton of instruments. I'm about one step up from tone-deaf and can barely play any instruments.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season?
A: I'm looking forward to playing Gonzaga this year in our Thanksgiving tournament. They are a very good team, and it will be a good test for us before Pac-12 play starts. It's also in Hawaii, which makes it even more fun.
Q: What is it like playing in the Jon M. Huntsman Center?
A: There is nothing like it! The atmosphere can be so electric, and I get goosebumps every time I come out of the tunnel and see the court. I can't wait to be able to have fans again!
Q: What is your favorite moment as a Ute?
A: The first thing that comes to mind is upsetting Oregon State in Corvallis last year. We had just come out of a two-week quarantine, and it was only our second game of the season. No one saw it coming except us. It will go down as one of the highlights of my career for sure.
Q: How appreciative are you for our fans?
A: I'm incredibly appreciative of our fans. You guys always show up no matter what happened the night before. I can't wait to see you guys in the stands again and be able to interact with you after games.
Q: If you could tell our fans one thing, what would it be?
A: Buckle up! It's going to be a crazy year and a lot of excitement! We have a chance to be really good this year, and you guys have no idea how much your love and support means to us! Go Ute!
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Fans can follow along during the 2021-22 season on social media (Twitter: @UtahWBB | Instagram: @UtahWBB | Facebook: Facebook.com/UtahWBB).