LORETTO, Pa. - Kaitlyn Maxwell, a freshman guard from Everett, Pennsylvania, may be new to Loretto but is well-accustomed to balancing a heavy workload at school with athletics and involvement beyond the court.

"My parents definitely helped me a lot in keeping a schedule and my coaches always encouraged me through it," said Maxwell.

At Everett Area High School, Maxwell was a standout three-sport athlete, also dedicating time to playing soccer and competing in track. She concluded her high school career as the school's all-time leading scorer in both basketball and soccer and holds three school records in track. Maxwell earned all-conference honors in all three sports but ultimately decided to pursue a collegiate career in basketball.

"I could not see myself running for four years straight - it would be a lot more fun to do it with a basketball," said Maxwell. "Basketball is indoors so I wouldn't have to worry about the weather and I could always come inside where it's warm and shoot or whatever - wouldn't have to worry about the elements."

Maxwell had no shortage of basketball accolades during her career at Everett, becoming an all-state selection, Altoona Mirror Co-Athlete of the Year and the Wendy's High School Heisman PA State winner. As a senior she averaged 29.5 points per game to total 2,175 career points, marking her as Bedford County's all-time leading scorer.

While Maxwell was very successful in athletics, she also excelled in the classroom and immersed herself in extracurricular activities.

"I tried to do everything that I did for God and not for myself and that really helped me to not feel as stressed or pressured," said Maxwell.

Maxwell graduated as Everett's valedictorian, was a member of the National Honor Society, a National Merit Finalist and named to the distinguished honor roll. She served as her class chaplain. Maxwell also played in the Pennsylvania All-State wind ensemble in addition to competing in algebra, pre-calculus, scholastic quiz and environmental science competitions. 

Her strive for academic excellence now carries over to her goals at Saint Francis as she pursues a degree in engineering with a mechanical concentration in SFU's tight-knit and supportive community.

"All of my professors are really good at the one-on-one and in addition to the family I have on the basketball court, I also feel like I'm a family with all of my professors."

Ultimately, Maxwell chases success both in the classroom and on the court at Saint Francis as she pursues her engineering degree and an NEC Championship simultaneously.

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To learn more about Saint Francis University, visit francis.edu.