Sean Williams/MDN – Maya Aguilar (13) of Minot High looking to make a play during a home game earlier this season.

Having the opportunity to play basketball at the collegiate level is a dream come true for many athletes. Having the opportunity to achieve that goal and stay close to home makes it even sweeter.

For Maya Aguilar of the Minot High girls’ basketball team, that dream came to fruition on Friday when the senior officially signed to play basketball with the Minot State University Beavers.

According to Aguilar, the conversations with the Beavers started last summer and the idea of playing college basketball close to home was always intriguing.

During a camp at Minot State is when Aguilar felt like she was leaning towards playing for head coach Mike Brandt and the Beavers.

“Their coaching staff is so friendly, and I felt really comfortable being there with them. I went on a visit, and they were all genuine, nice people and so were the players. They seem like they have a family atmosphere set up there,” Aguilar said.

While mulling over the decision for where to take her basketball talents, Aguilar weighed all options with her dad, and part of the reason why Minot State was so intriguing was the fact that her former Majettes teammates are a short drive away, giving her the opportunity to watch them play and her former teammates and family can make the drive to watch her as well.

Now that her decision has come to an end, Aguilar has a unique opportunity to continue creating memories on the court in a city where she has already created so many. Because of that and because of the opportunity to play at the next level, she feels thankful.

“It’s just amazing. I feel like anyone that loves basketball always wants to have an opportunity to play in college, so I’m extremely blessed and thankful for the opportunity to go,” Aguilar said.

She added, “Especially being so close to home with family there, I’m just so excited. I love basketball and being able to play at the collegiate level is amazing. It’s a blessing.”

As a key contributor on many levels at Minot High, Aguilar scored 226 points, grabbed 107 rebounds, racked up 90 assists, and shot 52% from two-point range in 24 games this year. She was fourth on the team in total points scored and rebounds, and second on the team in assists.

With the Beavers officially securing Aguilar’s basketball services, she believes they are getting someone that will put the team first and do whatever they can to help the team win.

“A very dedicated player, someone who wants to do the best they can for the team and have the most fun. Be a great player, teammate, and leader,” Aguilar said on what type of player Minot State is getting.

There are a lot of local athletes out there that are hoping to be in Aguilar’s shoes one day by having the opportunity to play college basketball. Her advice for those looking to get there was simple: work hard and keep going.

“Never give up. If you know you are good enough and can play at the collegiate level, keep pushing and you’ll get there,” she said.