Jaylaen Higgins is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Xavier Prep for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – Football runs in Evie Maas’ blood.

Her dad once tried to walk on at Arizona State. Her uncle, Jason Maas, played quarterback at the University of Oregon and later in the CFL for three teams and is currently the head coach of the Montreal Alouettes. 

When the freshman wide receiver suited up for her first girls' flag football game at Xavier Prep, pressure wasn’t new. From the moment she stepped onto the field, she made it clear she was ready to carry on the family tradition.

At just 14, Maas, leading her team in receiving yards per game, has already proven to be one of the most dynamic young athletes in Arizona. Reum said Maas’s impact can define Xavier’s program for years to come.

“She’s going to have a lot of opportunities to be the face of this program,” Reum said.

In her first season at Xavier, Maas has already become one of the team’s most reliable targets – averaging 42.3 receiving yards per game. A freshman whose confidence and skill made her look right at home on the varsity stage. Guided by her family’s football roots and a relentless drive to improve, she’s proving that age has little to do with impact when passion runs deep. 

Teammates and coaches said it didn’t take long to realize Maas wasn’t just another newcomer. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall, she’s brought a physicality and competitive edge that’s reshaped Xavier’s offense – all while developing quick chemistry with her quarterback, Ana Matuz. 

“She earned that trust really fast for me,” Matuz said. “Especially when she caught all those go balls and that one-handed catch versus Hamilton.” 

That catch – a highlight from a preseason scrimmage that spread quickly through the team – served as an early statement. Maas wasn’t just keeping up with older players, she was dominating them. 

“My mentality is just run through everyone,” Maas said. “Be the big dog – that’s what people know me as.” 

Head coach Matthew Reum saw that same energy from the start. Having coached Maas in club football before, he knew she possessed both the talent and mindset to thrive at the varsity level. 

“She’s one of the most competitive people we have out here on any given day,” Reum said.“Every time she’s on the field for us, she has the opportunity to change a game with one play.”

For all her early success, Maas admits the transition to high school football wasn’t easy. When she first stepped onto the field for Xavier’s opener, nerves were impossible to ignore. 

“I’ve got some people to prove wrong, for sure,” Maas said. “Mostly was thinking, don’t make any mistakes, don’t mess up the little things.”

Those early jitters didn’t last long. Once the whistle blew, the freshman who once worried about missteps began to find her rhythm – not by chasing highlight plays, but by mastering the details. 

Pressure doesn’t faze Maas – in fact, she welcomes it. 

Growing up in a football family, Maas learned early what it takes to excel under the bright lights. That foundation, paired with relentless preparation has shaped her into a player who rarely takes a day off. Coach Reum said that’s what separates Maas from most athletes her age. 

Maas said she has her own goals. She wants to play on both sides of the ball, win consistently and collect both team and individual accolades along the way.

“My goal is to win every year,” Maas said. “I want to be an all-star every season.”