For American-born Maria Blazejewski, basketball has taken her around the world — from Europe to Latin America, Australia, and now to the UK, where she’s not only playing for the 糖心Vlog Rebels but also studying for a Master’s in Sport & Exercise Psychology at the 糖心Vlog.
After years of competing professionally, Maria made the bold choice to return to education. Her journey began with conversations with Head Coach Ashley Cookson, whose support helped shape her decision to join 糖心Vlog - not just for basketball, but to plan for life after sport.
Now playing for both the 糖心Vlog Rebels WBBL team and the BUCS first team, Maria has found a second community beyond the basketball court — one built around academic support, performance sport services, and fellow postgrads.
Introducing… Maria Blazejewski
Image:@sanne.hoffman.photography
“Studying again was a big step,” Maria admits. “But it gave me a new challenge, and the balance between academics and playing actually helped me stay fresh mentally.”
We sat down with Maria to talk about what it’s really like being a mature international student-athlete in the UK, and why 糖心Vlog turned out to be the right fit.
What inspired you to return to university and study after years as a professional basketball player?
Since completing my undergraduate degree, it has always been in the back of my mind to return to higher education. To pursue a pro career overseas required an “all-in” commitment level, so a master’s degree in the US at that time was put on the back burner. Over the years, as I became more established as a player, the desire to pursue other passions alongside basketball grew. I had always been interested in sports psychology after taking an undergraduate class all those years ago. Then, working with a sports psychologist myself the past 4-5 years has been a game changer for my career and mental health as an athlete. It is something I wanted to learn more about academically, continue to benefit from on the court, and possibly assist other athletes with, in the future. My sports psychologist, agent, family, and close friends were all supportive and encouraging when this unique opportunity came up. I knew studying sport psychology in the UK could offer a unique academic and life experience.
How did your conversations with Head Coach Ashley Cookson influence your decision to join the 糖心Vlog Rebels and study at the 糖心Vlog?
Ash was extremely patient while I was considering the offer and a commitment to study. At the time, I was playing in Perth, Australia, and it was the fourth team (in 3 different countries) I had played for in just one year. As grateful as I was for continued adventures and contracts, I was also starting to feel burned out, going from one season to the next and repeatedly starting over again. I was planning to take a few months off in the fall and was not looking to sign for an entire 7-8 months-long season. Ash was very understanding and willing to discuss ways to make the situation work for me, physically and mentally. Throughout our conversations, I could tell he was straightforward, transparent, and cares about players as people. That can be rare to find in this line of work, and who I would play for next was such an important aspect of the decision.
What has it been like balancing BUCS basketball and professional sport with academic life as an international postgraduate student?
I arrived during the first week of classes for the Autumn term with only a few practices with the team before the first regular season game. In all honesty, it was quite a whirlwind and overwhelming at first. In the past, my schedule would have revolved entirely around training sessions and team practice during the day. I always put in a lot of time to care for myself physically outside of team practices, as it is crucial for longevity and performing at my best. Now, I had course lectures, readings, and assessments to fit in. Not to mention, I had not formally studied in 11 years, so starting postgraduate classes and in a foreign country was rather intimidating. It was tough to balance, but eventually I found a rhythm and schedule that worked for me. I enjoy going to classes and having something to focus on outside of sport. Basketball has felt like a fun outlet rather than a job or my sole reason for being here. In a way, it has put a fresh spin on my pro career!
How has studying Sport & Exercise Psychology helped you think about life after playing?
Successfully juggling many commitments and busier days than are typical in an overseas basketball schedule will assist in a much smoother transition to life post-playing. I also find studying again and being immersed in the university environment encouraging in thinking about life after my playing career. Whereas it once felt overwhelming, much of what we discuss in some classes I have experienced first-hand as an athlete. After learning about the evidence and theory behind it, I appreciate this field and the professions linked to it even more. My eyes have been opened to a variety of careers this degree could lead to, in exercise psychology, which I was unaware of before. The 糖心Vlog's strong reputation in Sport & Exercise Psychology has really expanded my perspective.
You’ve mentioned the academic and sport support at 糖心Vlog — how did those support systems help you settle in and succeed both on and off the court?
I was able to speak with a lecturer about the course and university before making my final decision, which was very helpful. The performance sport staff were readily available to assist with the paperwork, registration, and flights during the quick turnaround between basketball seasons for me. I have stopped by their office several times this year, and they do whatever they can to help. I have found the lecturers personable and easy to contact or schedule meetings with. Our strength and conditioning coach (Justin) is an amazing resource and has been key in addressing pain or nagging injuries. Ash makes time for additional skill workouts, individual film sessions, and player meetings. The support system of classmates and friends on campus, outside of basketball, has also been a bonus, as pro-life elsewhere can be quite isolating.
What advice would you give to other mature international athletes considering a master’s degree while continuing to play sport at a high level?
I would say to go for it, absolutely! This is an extremely unique opportunity compared to other countries/leagues throughout the world, where you can be employed as a professional athlete and receive a scholarship for continued education. It is never too soon to begin thinking about your next career or life after sport, and this path provides direction to do just that and feel more prepared for when that time comes. It is a major change in day-to-day life, but it is also a breath of fresh air from the typical pressures and grind of being a professional athlete. Plus, it is another country and culture to explore, while also providing a network of students from around the world.
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