Retiring from a professional sports career is never easy, and for Maggie Justinak, a former basketball player, it’s a strange feeling. But even as she steps into her new role as a junior varsity boys' basketball coach, her deep love for the game remains undeniable. Though she quit this summer, Maggie’s basketball time from a little girl in Wyoming to a professional basketball player who has competed across multiple continents is one filled with passion, grit, and the kind of love for the game that lasts a lifetime.

A lifelong love for basketball

Basketball entered Maggie’s life when she was just a child, and from the moment she picked up the ball, she knew she was destined for something great. “Since I was in the second grade, about eight years old, as soon as I knew how to dribble a ball, I was hooked,” she recalls. A natural talent, Maggie’s dedication began early, from playing in her driveway to joining travel basketball in sixth grade. Her love for competition was undeniable, and basketball quickly became her biggest passion. “I played a lot of sports growing up, but basketball was by far the one I was most passionate about. My IQ for the game was just higher.”

Maggie’s passion extended beyond just her personal love of the game—it was about leaving at the right time. “I always told myself I wanted to exit while I still loved it, and that’s exactly what happened,” she says, reflecting on her decision to retire.

The craft of a playmaker

Maggie’s ability to see the court and pass the ball was one of her defining characteristics as a player. Having played with boys growing up, she developed a quick release on her shots and passes, and those skills became essential when she took on the role of point guard. “This past season in Albania, we were a pass-first team. My biggest thing was trying to hit my wings as they went, and I absolutely loved that,” she shares.

Her ability to hit her teammates in stride with precision passes was a skill she honed not only on the basketball court but also from her time playing American football. “I loved being the quarterback, hitting my wide receivers. It was a passion of mine, and that translated into basketball; I always knew where my teammate was going to be or how fast they were running.” This crossover of sports knowledge helped Maggie excel as an efficient passer, a skill that became crucial for the teams she played for.

Inspirations and role models: Maya Moore’s lasting impact

When asked who inspired her the most, Maggie didn’t hesitate: Maya Moore. “I don’t know if you know who Maya Moore is, she’s retired from the WNBA now. They just retired her jersey about a month ago,” Maggie says. Moore was more than just a role model to her; she was a blueprint for how to approach the game. “Even in high school, I wanted to be like her. My number was 23, and people thought it was for Michael Jordan, but no, it was for Maya Moore.”

Maggie’s admiration for Moore wasn’t just about her performance on the court; it was also about how Moore carried herself off the court, leading by example. “She made me create a different level of my game. I would go outside and play, using my imagination, trying to be like her. It was that inspiration that kept me pushing myself to improve.”

High school to college: the formative years

Maggie’s high school years were filled with memorable moments, both individually and as part of a team. “We won Regionals my senior year, and that was just thrilling. We played in front of the biggest crowds, and the energy was unbelievable. I remember feeling my heartbeat through my ears because of the environment we were in,” she says. In one game, Maggie hit seven three-pointers, an individual achievement that she cherishes.

Her college career began at Casper College, followed by a transfer to Metropolitan State University in Denver, where her role as a shooter and point guard began to solidify. “At Casper, I played more of the two positions, but at Metro, I had to step in as a point guard. It wasn’t what I was used to, but I grew into the role, and I loved it.”

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a test of resilience

Like so many athletes, Maggie’s career was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, everything changed. “It was really sad. We got sent home, and no one really knew what was going on. There were just so many unanswered questions,” she recalls. The uncertainty of whether there would be another season, combined with the social unrest of the time, made for a tough year.

Adding to the challenge, Maggie suffered a serious injury during the summer of 2020. “I fell off the back of a truck during a protest rally and tore two ligaments. I didn’t rest; I pushed myself too hard to come back, and that really messed me up.” Despite the setbacks, Maggie remained determined, and even though her season didn’t go as planned, she found solace in the fact that she and her team were able to play again.

A professional career abroad: Newcastle and Tirana

After college, Maggie took her talents overseas, beginning her professional career in Newcastle, England. “I was initially supposed to play for the university, but when one of the pro team players backed out, I got the chance to play for Newcastle Eagles as their starting point guard,” she says. Newcastle was everything she could have asked for; a great team, loyal fans, and friendships that would last a lifetime. “It was probably the best first year I could have asked for. I loved every moment of it.”

However, the financial realities of women’s sports became a challenge. “It really comes down to the money aspect. I didn’t want to rely on my parents to support me, and that’s still an issue in women’s sports,” she says, reflecting on the challenges female athletes face. Despite this, Maggie remains hopeful that change is coming.

From Newcastle, Maggie’s career took her to Albania, where she played for SK Tirana. “I absolutely loved it there. The people, the experiences, it was all incredible,” she recalls. Despite a language barrier and cultural differences, Maggie embraced her time in Albania, where she helped lead her team to a championship. “We were winning the championship, and no one believed us at first. But my teammate Morina and I knew: we were winning.”

Coaching: the next chapter

Now, as Maggie transitions from player to coach, she brings the same passion and dedication to her new role. Coaching boys' basketball, she sees herself in the young athletes she now mentors. “They want to pursue the same dreams I once had, and I want to help make those dreams come true for them.”

Though she may not be on the court as a player anymore, Maggie’s competitive spirit remains strong. “I hate to lose more than I love to win,” she says. That passion, which has driven her throughout her career, will no doubt continue to guide her as she navigates the world of coaching.