Maya Mata

Athlete Bio#

Height

5'7"

Age

Hometown

Coppell, TX

Personal

Started taekwondo in 2009...Favorite Taekwondo Athlete: Lee Dae-Hoon...Favorite Non-Taekwondo Athlete: LeBron James...Who is your biggest inspiration?: God, Family, and Master Sang H. Cha...Favorite Foods & Drinks: Doritos, pizza, and pasta; sweet tea and Gatorade...Favorite TV Show(s): "The Flash", "Stranger Things", "Riverdale" and "Gotham"...Favorite Movie(s): " Iron Man" , "Rudy", "Silence of the Lambs", "I, Tonya", "Deadpool" and "Insidious"...Favorite Band(s)/Singer(s): Post Malone, Migos, The Weeknd, and Drake...Favorite/Inspirational Quote: "Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you."

Career Highlights

2019 Pan Am Cadet Championship Team
2018 - Korea Open - Sparring - Black -55kg - Gold
2018 - Canada Open - Sparring - Black -55kg - Silver
2018 - USA Taekwondo National Championships - Sparring - Black - 55kg - Silver
2018 - Texas State - Sparring - Black -55kg - Gold
2018 Texas State Team Member - Cadet (12-14)
2018 Outstanding Texas Athlete Female Cadet - Recognized by Texas State Taekwondo Association
2018 - U.S. Open Taekwondo Championships - Sparring - Black Belt - -51kg - Bronze
2017 USAT National Team Member - Cadet -51kg (12-14)
2017 Next Level Recognition Sponsorship
2017 - Pan Am Taekwondo Championships - Sparring - Black Belt - -51kg - Silver
2017 - USA Taekwondo National Championships - Sparring - Black Belt - -51kg - Gold
2017 - World Taekwondo President's Cup - Sparring - Black Belt - -51kg - Gold
2016 AAU National Team Member - YOUTH (10-11)
2016 Next Level Recognition Sponsorship
2016 - AAU Taekwondo Nationals - Sparring - Black Belt - -51kg - Gold

What is your proudest moment in Taekwondo to date?: My proudest moment in Taekwondo was when I attended Taekwondo Presidents Cup in Portland, Oregon U.S.A October 27, 2016. I was eleven years old and my parents allowed me to sign a waiver and go up a division to fight 12-14 Cadet Division. I am typically not nervous before my fights, but that day it was a bit nerve wrecking. I had 3 tough matches and beat Ecuador and won in golden point round. My Coach Master Sang H. Cha and I were both amazed and surprised with my performance. That day I knew that all things are possible and I knew this sport and I were meant to be.

Other fun or interesting facts about you: I love Kevin Hart; he literally is the funniest man alive. I have been active in other sports that include: basketball, track, and swimming, but nothing really stuck to me like Taekwondo; guess I just love to be in the ring kicking, punching and challenging myself. Unlike some people I actually love to fight, guess I just have this fire in me.