While Maya Baechler's high school running career at Kitsilano Secondary may be coming to a close in the next few weeks, the senior has her sights set on making an impact in the NCAA. Baechler will be heading across the border where she will compete for the Oregon State University Beavers.
I caught up with Baechler about how she got her start in running, her path to OSU and what she hopes to accomplish this season.
Personal Bests
800m: 2:08.77
1500m: 4:24.93
Career Accolades
2023 Oregon Relays 800m Champion
2022 BCHS 800m and 1500m Champion
2022 U20 Nationals 1500m 5th place
2022 Legion Nationals 800m Bronze
BC U18 Mile and 1000m Record Holder
Baechler started running early on in her life, it was something that just clicked for her and she never looked back.
"In elementary school I was winning every race I participated in, so my mom signed me up to join our local track club, the Vancouver Thunderbirds. I have been competing ever since I was in Grade 3."
As the years went on and as Baechler continued to high school, she represented Kitsilano Secondary during each school year. She had an amazing 2022 season, winning both the Senior Girls 800m and 1500m at the BC High School Track and Field Championships, even as a Grade 11 athlete. It was only a few days after this massive feat, with a switch to the club season, that Baechler represented the Thunderbirds at the Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic, Canada's longest-running track and field event. This thrilling meet showcases not only up-and-coming athletes, but World and Olympic Champions, World Record Holders and Canadian stars. This is where Baechler ran her blistering 2:08.77 800m.
Evidently, the Thunderbirds have always remained a prominent part of her running world.
"Coach Cindy, Will and Liam, have built an amazing endurance group with the Thunderbirds. Cindy has been my coach since Grade 7 and I am eternally grateful for her presence in my life. She has changed the way I look at track and field and keeps every practice fun. In my junior years she helped me learn to love running, not always to win, but to enjoy every practice and the process so that the results will come. There is always something to take away from every race, regardless of the outcome."
With great progress happening year after year Baechler has had her sights set on running collegiately for years.
"From a young age there was never a point where I couldn't see myself running past high school. While I also played soccer competitively until Grade 10, I always knew that I would pursue running."
However, with so many collegiate options available around North America it can be hard for athletes to narrow down their top picks, but Baechler had an idea in mind.
"It was my dream to go to an NCAA school, preferably on the West Coast. I unofficially visited some school in Grade 11 and ran in a few college races, where I was able to compete and introduce myself to coaches in person. Oregon State wasn't high on my list originally, until I spoke to Coach Louie. I went on an unofficial visit in the summer and instantly fell in love with the campus and the program. Later in the fall I had an official visit with a few other girls that later committed as well. Louie's coaching and the team culture is really what set OSU apart from my other visits."
With her freshman collegiate season just around the corner Baechler is ready for new experiences.
"I am looking forward to training with a bunch of talented, hardworking teammates and constantly getting pushed to new goals and being part of a strong team."
Nevertheless, Baechler still has a few more races left in her at the high school level and with that a lot of goals and advice to share.
"I am always striving to meet and beat my personal bests and it would be an honour to represent Team BC at the U20 Nationals later this summer. As for advice, I would tell my younger self to relax and have fun with racing. I used to put so much pressure on myself to the point of anxiety. I am lucky to have a great support group at the Thunderbirds and have enjoyed every step of the way in my high school seasons. I have learnt to enjoy the process and to focus more on my race and what I can control."