Troy University Athletics
Maiga Brings Team Spirit to Trojans Following International Competition
10/15/2013 4:34:00 PM | Basketball (W)
2013-14 Schedule | 2013-14 Roster
TROY, Ala. – Aissata Maiga has heart, she has passion and she has a fighting spirit.
These are qualities – coupled with talent, of course - that a coach will look for when evaluating a player. Aissata Maiga has all three.
She learned how to play with heart, passion and spirit doing what most any athlete dreams of doing, representing their country.
Maiga recently returned to the United States after competing with the Mali National Team in the 2013 Women's Afrobasket tournament, which is held every two years. This year, the event was held in Maputo, Mazambique located on the southeastern shore of the African continent.
"You learn to fight. You fight for your country, for your teammates," Maiga said.
Mali finished fifth in the tournament of 12 teams. The competition is a gateway to the FIBA World Championship for Women.
The unique experience was one of many for Maiga since she began competing on an international level at age 16. The junior guard has played for her country's national team since 2008 and has participated in several high-profile events including the 2010 FIBA World Championships held in Czech Republic.
"At Troy, we play at a fast pace. Any small mistake and you pay for it. [Troy expects] more perfection," she said. "There is a lot of talent at the international level for women, but it's not as refined yet."
Maiga recorded 20 points, 13 steals, 11 rebounds and nine assists in eight games with the team.
After spending two seasons at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Fla., Maiga joined the Trojans this offseason. She hopes to bring the fervor from her national team with her to Troy.
"We are a family here. It didn't take long to understand that," she said. "Everything we do is for each other."
Maiga has gained a reputation in basketball circles for her defensive abilities, the same that helped Gulf Coast to a 29-6 record and a National Junior College Athletic Association Final Four appearance last season.
"I get a kind of motivation by playing here [Troy]. We are a family and I need to bring anything positive that I can to help my family just like I would for Mali," she said.
Troy opens the 2013-14 women's basketball season with a home exhibition against West Florida on Oct. 28 at Trojan Arena. Tip is set for 7 p.m.
For more information on Troy Athletics, visit TroyTrojans.com. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter and Instagram at @TroyAthletics and on Facebook at Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.
