Our Alumni Spotlight series will be an ongoing feature, highlighting former student-athletes and catching up on where their journeys have taken them after graduation. Maya Branch, former Georgia Softball student-athlete, graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Entomology and a master’s degree in Sport Management and Policy in 2015.
Can you tell us about your current career and what you’re doing now?
As Senior Manager of Global Partnerships Activation for the Atlanta Hawks, I lead the strategic execution of high-value corporate partnerships to ensure seamless brand integration across in-arena, digital, and community platforms. I serve as the primary liaison for partners, fostering strong relationships, identifying up-sell opportunities, and driving long-term renewals. By collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, game presentation, creative services, and community engagement teams, I develop and implement customized activation strategies that maximize brand exposure and audience engagement. I oversee event and game-day activations, ensuring flawless execution of sponsorship elements while providing real-time solutions. Additionally, I track and analyze partnership performance, delivering comprehensive recap reports that highlight key metrics, ROI, and fan engagement insights. Through community and cause-based initiatives, I help integrate partners into the Hawks’ philanthropic efforts, enhancing brand affinity and social impact. Constantly seeking innovative opportunities, I identify new assets and emerging trends to drive additional revenue and enhance the overall partnership experience.
How did your experience as a student-athlete prepare you for your professional career?
During my time as a student-athlete at UGA, I played under one of the toughest coaches around at that time. There were moments when I didn’t fully understand her methods, but as I got older I realized she was preparing us for more than just the game—she was developing us for life. One of our team mottos, “Get 1% better every day,” still sticks with me and is something I apply in my professional career. By striving to improve just 1% each day, I’m constantly working on personal and professional growth. Whether it’s learning a new skill, finding ways to be more efficient at work, or becoming a more well-rounded person, this mindset keeps me moving forward. To me, getting 1% better in life after college means embracing the opportunity to learn something new every day.
What was the most important lesson you learned from balancing academics, athletics, and personal life during college?
The most important lesson I learned from balancing academics, athletics, and personal life in college was the power of routine. With so many responsibilities competing for my time, having a structured schedule helped me stay disciplined and focused. When I stuck to my routine, I could manage practices, classes, and relationships without feeling overwhelmed. However, after I graduated there were times when I fell out of that structure, and I often felt stretched too thin. Juggling work, supporting my friends, and maintaining a personal life all at once became overwhelming. Maintaining my routine was crucial for my mental health—when I felt overwhelmed, I often felt like I was failing at life. Learning to prioritize and stay consistent with my routine made all the difference, and it’s a skill that I still rely on today.
What is one thing you wish you had known about life after sports before you graduated?
One thing I wish I had known about life after sports is the importance of maintaining a routine and finding hobbies that feed your competitive nature. After playing for so long, you become accustomed to structure, teamwork, and the drive to improve—those things don’t just disappear after graduation. For me, coaching a youth softball team became a way to stay connected to the game while channeling my competitive energy into something meaningful. Whether it’s coaching, joining a rec league, or learning a new hobby, finding an outlet makes the transition much smoother.
Looking back, what advice would you give to current student-athletes who are trying to navigate life after college and sport?
Looking back, my biggest piece of advice to current student-athletes navigating life after college and sports is to embrace change and find a new purpose. The structure, competition, and identity that come with being an athlete do not just disappear after graduation—you have to be intentional about where you channel that energy. Whether it’s joining a rec league, focusing on your career, or picking up a new passion, finding something that keeps you motivated is key. Also, maintain a routine! The discipline and time management skills you developed as an athlete will serve you well in both your professional and personal life. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help—lean on your network, mentors, and former teammates as you transition. Life after sports is an adjustment, but it is also an opportunity to grow in new ways. To my fellow women athletes—remember that the skills you have built through sports translate into leadership. Research from EY shows that around 94% of female C-suite leaders were former athletes. Your experience as an athlete has already set you up for success!
When you think about your time as a Bulldog, what is one moment that stands out the most?
Commit to the G! I never would have thought I would hit a home run as a new slapper, but I did! I was not a power hitter—I was a speedster. My strength was in my legs, and training taught me how to use them over my arms. I committed to the work and trusted the process. This mindset carries into life after college: envision the bigger picture and commit to it. Whether it is your career, personal growth, or a new challenge, success comes from trusting the process, playing to your strengths, and putting in the work.
