2025 Indiana Miss Basketball winner, Maya Makalusky, visited all 13 elementary schools in the Hamilton Southeastern school district to invest in the next generation of girls. Winning the title of Indiana Miss Basketball, a prestigious award given to Indiana’s top female high school basketball player, has set Makalusky as a role model on and off the court. She spent time pouring wisdom into 3rd and 4th grade girls about setting goals and chasing their dreams.
As Makalusky stepped into each elementary school gym, she was greeted with wide eyes, bright smiles, and rows of girls hanging on to her every word. Many eagerly asked her for advice, while others ran up for a hug, all looking up to her like a real life superhero.
“What I wanted to do was just lift up young girls who will eventually be in my position,” Makalusky said.
At each school, Makalusky shared stories from her own journey, from the goals she set for herself to the obstacles she encountered along the way. Specifically speaking to elementary girls because that’s when her own dreams started to shape. She expressed to the girls that despite how far her dreams felt, she never stopped working toward them, encouraging them to have the same confidence in their own goals.
“I wanted to be Gatorade Player of the Year, Miss Basketball 2025, and I wanted to have my first offer as a 7th grader,” Makalusky said. “I was very badly bullied because I sounded pretty crazy for having these goals.”
Makalusky reminded the girls that their dreams are important and that it is never too early to start thinking about the future.
However, her message wasn’t just about athletics, Makalusky spoke about believing in their own potential, no matter what their goals are. Whether a girl wanted to be an athlete, a doctor, or an artist, she reminded them that their dreams mattered too.
“There’s nothing wrong with setting goals that feel really high,” Makalusky said.
Makalusky also pointed to the growing support for girls’ and women on a national level. Seeing this especially in sports, she referenced athletes, such as Caitlin Clark, as an example of how women are gaining visibility and representation.
“People are supporting young girls [and] young women, and it’s becoming a big deal,” Makalusky said.
The momentum of the growing recognition and value of women in sports and beyond reinforces Makalusky’s message to the girls that they can achieve anything.
Teachers and parents across the district noticed the impact of her visits instantly. Many shared that the girls were inspired by Makalusky to discuss their own dreams and goals.
Makalusky’s goal with these visits was to make sure every girl knows that their voice and vision matter.
“Just know you guys can achieve anything and better than what I’ve achieved, if you set your mind to it.”
