When Maya Farkas wore the Pioneer jersey, she never imagined how deeply those years on the pitch would shape her future. Today, as a recent Fire Fighter 1 academy and EMT program graduate preparing to enter the fire service, she draws daily from the lessons she learned at Cal State East Bay—lessons of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

"Competing as a Pioneer was a transformative experience," Farkas said. "It taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork—values that I carry with me every day. Being part of a competitive collegiate program pushed me to grow both on and off the field. I learned how to handle pressure, set goals, and hold myself accountable. That mindset has stayed with me well beyond my soccer career."

For Farkas, some of the moments she treasures most are the hard-fought wins and the bonds built along the way. She recalls the team's 2021 CCAA Championship run, the long road trips, and the training sessions that forged lifelong friendships.

"From the beginning, my club coach Iman Siadat played a huge role in shaping my mentality, always pushing me to be my best," she said. "He believed I could play at the collegiate level before I did. And teammates like Lexie Randolph, Nicole Ferriolo, and Kayla Raygoza weren't just teammates—they became lifelong friends who challenged and supported me every step of the way."

That belief and camaraderie carried her through one of her proudest moments: winning the CCAA Conference Tournament. "All the hard work, setbacks, and late nights came full circle at that moment," Farkas said. "We weren't just playing for ourselves—we were playing for each other, for our coaches, and for the legacy of the program. There was a unique energy and unity that season, and putting on those championship rings felt like a reward for our resilience as a team. It's a memory that still gives me chills."

After her soccer career, Farkas set her sights on a new challenge: firefighting. It's a path, she says, that mirrors many of the qualities she developed as a Pioneer student-athlete.
"My experience at East Bay prepared me for this career in every way," she said. "Being part of a collegiate soccer program taught me how to stay calm in high-stress situations, communicate effectively, and push through mental and physical challenges—skills that directly translate to the fire service. The locker room and the firehouse aren't all that different—both rely on trust, goals, and a shared commitment to something bigger than yourself."

Farkas recently graduated from her Fire Fighter 1 academy and the Bay EMT Youth Academy program, carrying with her the same discipline and accountability she learned on the field.
Throughout her journey, Farkas has been guided by mentors and role models. "My parents have been my biggest influence—they support me through everything and taught me the value of hard work and dedication," she said.

She also points to program directors Mr. Wellington Jackson and Chief Sean Gascie as pivotal figures in her transition to firefighting. "Mr. Jackson pushed me to believe in my potential even when I doubted myself, while Chief Gascie gave me real-world insight into what it truly means to serve and protect. Their support and belief in me were instrumental in helping me turn a passion into a purpose."

Looking back, Farkas has one piece of advice for today's East Bay student-athletes: cherish every moment.

"The wins, the losses, the practices, the friendships—they all shape your journey in ways you might not fully realize until later," she said. "Give it your all, stay hungry, and trust the process. Being a Pioneer is a privilege, and the habits you build now will set the tone for the rest of your life. Represent the program with pride, and never take the jersey for granted."