Upcoming Event: Women's Basketball at Utah State on November 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM
6:00 PM
Women's Basketball
at Utah State
The University of Utah Athletics
Brynna Maxwell: Her Love For Basketball
1/22/2020 3:28 PM | Women's Basketball
Brynna Maxwell, freshman guard for the Utah Women’s Basketball team, has been obsessed with basketball since she was two years old. It shouldn’t be any surprise given her family history; both of Maxwell’s parents played in college, which is how they met.
“They played at a smaller school in Washington,” Maxwell explained. “And my entire family outside of them are huge sports fans too.”
Growing up, Maxwell watching the Portland Trailblazers with her family with sometimes three practices in one day.
“I didn’t play any other sport besides basketball after third grade,” Maxwell said. “I was too busy playing for my middle school, my travel team, and the feeder team for my high school.”
Constant practice and games led Maxwell to grow into the player she is today; a gifted shooter who’s leading the Pac-12 in three pointers made, a versatile scorer, and an athletic presence on defense. There was a time, however, when Maxwell wasn’t sure if she was going to play collegiality.
“I didn’t know if I was going to be good enough until my freshman year in high school, but then I got a letter from Utah,” Maxwell explained. “Going into my sophomore year they became the first school to officially offer me while I was attending a training camp down here.”
For Maxwell, the opportunity to play in the Conference of Champions was a dream.
“My goal was to play for any college team,” She said. “But Utah gave me that opportunity, so I was pretty big on them the entire time.”
As Maxwell continued to dominate the high school game, other schools like Washington State took notice. But because of Lynne Roberts' early belief in Maxwell, it became an easy decision.
“Utah was the first school that believed in me right from the start. They didn’t care that I wasn’t from a big name prep program.”
In her first year, Maxwell has been an instant contributor. A knock-down shooter and true freshman starter for Utah, she currently leads the team in three pointers made while placing second in scoring.
“I just wanted to play and help in any way that I could,” Maxwell said. “I didn’t expect to be starting, and it’s been a blur. But it’s also been so much fun.”
As Maxwell continues to work and carve her own path, Utah continues to battle in conference play. But it was a different match-up earlier in the year that she says was her favorite moment so far.
“Beating BYU, on the road, was hands down the coolest thing I’ve experienced,” Maxwell explained. “I knew about the rivalry from recruiting, but the crowd and level of intensity was incredible.”
Despite being a freshman, Maxwell has shown an ability to learn on the fly and adapt. She also puts in hours away from the game, and says that sometimes she learns from watching the NBA.
“I watch CJ McCollum, from the Portland Trailblazers,” She said. “He’s my favorite player and also incredibly crafty. I watch his footwork and try to emulate that when I play, since he creates a lot of space for him to shoot.”
The Utah Women’s Basketball team continues to grow and develop with every year. With the impact that she’s had on the team this season, the sky is the limit for Brynna Maxwell.
Utah: 88, Sioux Falls: 62 | Utah Women's Basketball Post Game Press Conference
Monday, November 03
ESPN+ Feature | Utah Women's Basketball's Head Coach Gavin Petersen
Monday, November 03
Rooted in RED | Episode 1: It Takes What It Takes
Tuesday, October 28
2025 Big 12 Utah Women's Basketball Media Day Interview
Thursday, October 23