Oak Harbor Midfielder Maddie Mays Signs with Western Washington University

Oak Harbor High senior Maddie Mays formally committed to play soccer at Western Washington University, a Division Two program that announced her signing on social media on National Signing Day, November 12. Mays arrived at the decision after a breakout postseason in which she scored 16 goals over six games, a scoring rate that drew substantial attention from in state college programs.

The signing represents a notable achievement for Island County athletics, linking a local player to a program that has captured national titles in 2016 and 2022 and maintained a strong conference record. For Oak Harbor High and the broader community, Mays joining Western reinforces a pipeline from local high school programs to competitive college teams and highlights the region as a source of developing talent.

Mays' recruiting process prioritized in state options that valued academics and player well being, and she ultimately chose Western for its fit with those priorities. The decision was described in coverage of the signing as a relief for Mays, who placed emphasis on finding a program aligned with both athletic ambition and academic goals. A photo of Mays accompanied the announcement and local coverage.

The local impact extends beyond a single roster spot. High school programs can leverage college commitments when recruiting and when seeking community support for facilities and youth development. College placements also offer tangible benefits to families in Island County by reducing the need for out of state moves and keeping talented students closer to home. For Western, adding a high scoring midfielder strengthens depth as the program looks to build on recent national success.

Mays will join a competitive environment in a university known for balancing athletics with academics. Her move will be watched by coaches and peers across Island County, where youth players and parents often look to recent graduates as models for pathways to collegiate play. As the winter season approaches, Oak Harbor will aim to replace a prolific scorer while celebrating the milestone of a senior moving on to the next level.