Sta. Maria Is Headed to Cali for ‘23

Taija Sta. Maria (5’6”, PG, Crestwood/Kia Nurse Elite) of Vaughan, ON has verbally committed to become a Fresno State Bulldog for the Fall of 2023.

Sta. Maria (pronounced Santa Maria) is a petite Point Guard, that often makes high I.Q. plays that can make players around her better, especially with her pass-first mentality. By averaging 4.3 assists per game, she helped to guide her prep Crestwood Lions team to a fourth place finish during the 2021-2022 OSBA prep season where she would be considered among the league’s standouts. While becoming bigger, stronger and more athletic are always on the agenda for players that are entering their high school Senior year, her strong work ethic and extensive resume, lend itself well for her to have a strong year at the helm of the Lions.

By committing to the Fresno, CA university, Sta. Maria locks in her post secondary school of choice prior tryouts for the Canadian National U17 Team. After making and being a solid contributor to last year’s U16 National team at the FIBA Americas event in Mexico, including a 12 point performance against Brazil, if she makes this year’s team, it will see her miss a significant portion of the July travel schedule.