Maresa Moyer has always believed in the power of family, sacrifice, and showing up for others. Growing up in a Navy household and being surrounded by 29 cousins, she learned early what it meant to put the team first. Now a senior midfielder at William & Mary, Moyer carries those lessons onto the lacrosse field, leading with a steady voice and a selfless heart.
 
"Being one of 29 cousins, having a family of five, and being that military brat, my dad was in the Navy and my brother is currently in the Army," Moyer said. "They've taught me that you have to make sacrifices. Being a leader and a captain this year, I have to make sacrifices for my teammates every single day. This group of teammates is really my family—ultimately my sisters."
 
Leadership, for Moyer, isn't about titles. It's about consistency, compassion, and the quiet work that holds a team together. Whether she's the first to arrive at practice or the last to leave the locker room, she leads by example, earning the trust of those around her.


 
Finding Strength After Injury
 
That sense of purpose was tested last fall when Moyer suffered a partial ACL tear in late September. The injury forced her to slow down, reflect, and rediscover why she fell in love with lacrosse in the first place.
 
 "The injury taught me why I play this sport, because I've worked so hard to be here," Moyer said. "These past four years have flown by. It really taught me I love this sport and I've put everything into it."
 
Through months of rehab, patience, and gradual progress, Moyer found her way back to the field—first in a brace, then moving freely alongside her teammates. "Coming back slowly from wearing a brace to doing a little rehab, now I'm out there back with my teammates," she said. "That's the joy and that's why I play this sport—to play for my teammates. It brings me the most success and the most happiness in my life to be back out there."
 
The injury became a turning point, reminding her that lacrosse is bigger than wins and losses. "It really reminded me why I play this sport," she said. "It's not just for myself and my family; it's for the teammates and the people I'm surrounded by each and every day."
 
A Summer with the Ravens
 
While resilience defined her return to the field, curiosity fueled her growth off it. This past summer, Moyer interned with the Baltimore Ravens, an experience that expanded her understanding of what it means to work in professional sports.
 
"This past summer I interned with the Baltimore Ravens. It was probably the coolest experience I've ever had," she said. "My boss, Mr. Steve Claggett, is the manager of their character development department. We worked on this durability project to help figure out how to prolong these young professional athletes' careers in the NFL."
 
Through the project, she met sports medicine professionals, trainers and players who offered new perspectives on leadership, preparation and longevity. "I met some awesome players including Roquan Smith," she said. "He's an awesome linebacker and an even wiser person. Marlon Humphrey is right up there with his humor."
 
Moyer even spent time in the weight room, assisting the strength and conditioning staff. "I actually got to work in the weight room a couple days a week with the strength and conditioning coaches," she said. "I'm hopping in some of the sets and changing weights for some of the football players. They get in and they get it done. They've inspired me to work hard and keep going."
 
The experience confirmed her desire to build a career in sports. "Being a part of that experience has really led me to want to partake in working in professional sports as well," she said. "There are so many jobs and careers that go into it that are so important."
 
The Mind-Body Connection
 
On campus, Moyer channels that same curiosity into her studies. A double major in kinesiology and psychology, she's fascinated by the intersection of physical performance and mental well-being.
 
"I am a double major here in kinesiology and psychology," she said. "I found a huge passion for the mind and body connection. My dream job would definitely be in the wellness area or in the fitness area—specifically in professional sports."
 
Wellness isn't just a buzzword for Moyer – it's a daily practice. "Wellness is such a huge part of my life," she said. "Whether on an off day going on a walk with my friends or sitting in the sauna to relieve some of the pressure. Wellness gives me a time to connect—either with myself or the people on my side every day."
 
She's also a self-proclaimed wellness enthusiast, eager to try new trends and routines. "I try to instill a habit—10 to 15 minutes every morning before I get on my phone or head to class," she said. "I love to deep dive into new wellness trends, like yoga and lymphatic drainage. My mom inspired me there, and I think it's working."
 
Beyond the field and the classroom, Moyer finds balance through simple joys. "I love to cook," she said. "Whether that's me making a meal for someone else or just sharing food and recipes that I've made, I think it's huge. I'm also a huge reader."
 
Paying It Forward
 
As a senior, Moyer has embraced her role as a mentor, guiding younger teammates through the challenges and excitement of college athletics. Before the team's first game of the season, she sent a message to the freshmen that captured her approach to both sport and life.
 
"I texted all of the freshmen and I said, 'Trust in your preparedness. This has been a lifetime goal of yours to play college lacrosse. You're finally here. Have confidence in your preparation and that you are ready,'" she said. "And take it all in—be where your feet are. As a senior, this truly goes by so quick. You have to take it in, savor these moments, and not take anything for granted."
 
Moyer knows this season is special, not only because of the games ahead but because of the people beside her. "If this year isn't good, I'm not going to be ready to hang up the cleats," she joked. "But in all seriousness, you have to take it in."
 
A New Home, a Stronger Team
 
This year, William & Mary student-athletes are settling into a new home, the state-of-the-art Mackesy Sports Performance Center (the Mack). For Moyer, the facility represents more than upgraded amenities; it's a symbol of unity and possibility.
 
"The Mack is incredible," she said. "In years past we were separated into two locker rooms. This amazing new locker room has given us the chance to all be together. It is improving our team culture and relationships on and off the field, which is huge."
 
With every practice, meeting, and shared moment in the new space, she's reminded of how far the program has come—and how much it means to be part of it. "I couldn't be more thankful and grateful to be in the place where I am," she said. "We have everything we need at our fingertips, and I'm lucky to be a part of it and forever grateful."
 
From the lessons of her military family to the resilience forged through injury and the inspiration found with the Ravens, Moyer continues to lead with intention and heart. "Sports have given me so much and so many opportunities that I'm eager to give back," she said. "Whether that be with younger athletes or in the professional world, that's definitely something I'm looking to pursuing."