Amaya Stewart’s college decision came down to two Division I America East Conference schools and a recent visit pushed Albany into the top spot. It felt like home.
“After the visit to Albany it was just something different and unexpected,” Stewart said. “I took that leap of faith.”
Wyomissing’s two-time Berks Player of the Year initially had her mind set on committing to Maine, even in late July when she finished up her final AAU season at a tournament in Kentucky.
Stewart took a visit to Maine in late June but was sold on Albany after an early August visit to New York's state capital that resulted in her verbally committing Wednesday to play for head coach Colleen Mullen's Great Danes.
“I had a game night with the girls (on Albany's team) and we just played (board) games all night,” Stewart said of the visit. “I felt comfortable. It was fun. I spent the day with them. Nothing’s going to compare to the Wyomissing Spartans, but it felt like that. That’s when I kind of knew. I was comfortable being myself and laughing without having to have any filter or worry about what I was saying.”
Family atmosphere was one of three must-haves for Stewart in contemplating her next athletic and academic destination. She’s been an integral part of that atmosphere at Wyomissing leading the Spartans to new heights and building a community of old and new Berks basketball fans who pack the gym whenever she plays.
The two other deciding factors were location and academics. Stewart plans to follow a career in sports psychology and minor in communications and Albany allows her to do that.
“My three big things were major, location, and family,” she said. “Number one: I felt that family effect right away. Number two — location — I’m in the capital so there are a ton of things to explore. There are researchers around once I graduate that I can look into for my major. I could also see myself staying there after school and just living there. It’s a decent sized campus. It’s not too big that I’m not going to see anybody. It’s not too small that I’m going to know everybody. It was a comforting feeling and felt like a home away from home.”
Albany’s coaching staff and play style were two other selling factors. Mullen prioritizes the same type of culture and team-first attitude as Wyomissing head coach Aaron Anders, who accompanied Stewart on the deciding visit.
“She brought this security and this sense of ‘I want to win and I’m going to find the pieces to make that happen,’” Stewart said of Mullens. “When I met with her, it was just a great experience. She welcomed me and stuck by my side. There was a point where she pulled me aside during breakfast and said, ‘I want you not just because of the player you are, but because of the person you are.’ It was very special.”
“(Stewart) could see herself being on campus, in the gym, and in the facilities,” Anders said. “What I was so impressed with was their culture and it starts with their coach, Colleen Mullen. She’s a true leader and leads with love for her kids. Amaya felt it and I’m so happy that she chose Albany. She will be in good hands and that warms my heart for her.”
Mullens has led the Great Danes to a 99-79 record in her six seasons as head coach with an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021-22 and NIT appearances the past two seasons. The Great Danes have gone 70-29 overall the past three seasons.
Stewart, a 6-1 forward, felt it was the right program for her to continue evolving her game, which has expanded from her being a traditional low-post center to a 3-point and ball-handling threat. She averaged 10.5 points per game as a freshman with zero 3s which climbed to 19.5 ppg and 21 3’s as a junior.
“I knew I was going to play more of the ‘4’ or ‘3’ position when I got to college,” Stewart said. “They play an outside-inside game. I’m going to have to be more versatile and I like that because that’s what I’ve been working on these past few months. [Mullen] doesn’t put limitations on her players, she allows them to grow. I played a ‘5’ my whole life and now it’s time to become even better.”
Stewart will make her college decision official when she signs a National Letter of Intent (NLI). National Signing Day is Nov. 13 with winter and Stewart’s final high school season coming shortly thereafter. The senior will be able to chase Berks County and District 3 three-peats while knowing a new home to continue her stellar career awaits.
“It feels like a breath of fresh air,” she said of her commitment. “It’s a great feeling when you know it’s the one. I’m so excited. So many more doors are opened up. I can’t wait to get to work, grow, and become a better player at the next level.”
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