CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- For Maia Jaroch, Buena Vista University isn’t just a place to study or compete—it’s a community that feels like home. From the first time she set foot on campus, something clicked. “The campus felt very comfortable and inviting when I was on my visit, and I just knew right away that BVU was meant to be my home,” she said. That sense of belonging has become the foundation for everything she does, whether she’s making a critical save on the soccer field or preparing for a future in medicine.
Jaroch represents the best of the Division III experience: a student-athlete who embraces both sides of the hyphen. As a women’s soccer player in the American Rivers Conference, she thrives in an environment that values balance and growth. “My favorite part about the D3 experience in the American Rivers Conference is that I am able to be a college student outside of my sport,” she said. “I am given the time and space to be a good student and focus on my academics while still getting to play the sport that I love.”
Academics and Athletics in Harmony
Jaroch's academic path is as ambitious as her athletic one. She is majoring in biomedical sciences with a minor in psychology, a combination that reflects her curiosity about the human body and the mind. Her goal is clear: “I know without a doubt that I want to go into the medical field, specifically the Orthopedic route specializing in Pediatrics,” she said. “I am bouncing between being a Radiological Technician and being an Orthopedic PA.”
That focus on science is one of the reasons she chose BVU. “I chose BVU because of the strong science program that I knew would support my academic needs and goals,” she said. She’s also deeply involved on campus, participating in the Concert Band, Student Activities Board, Orientation Team, Science Club, Psychology Club, and Research Club. She even finds time to tutor biology and psychology, giving back to the community that supports her.
Her experience in the A-R-C has helped her grow as an athlete and a leader. “The A-R-C is a great conference with strong competition that pushes me to be the best athlete and the best teammate that I possibly can,” she said. One night in particular stands out—a game under the lights against Dakota Wesleyan. “I played a great game and earned a 17-save shutout against a quality opponent, which felt amazing,” she said. “The combination of joy from my personal performance and the energy from my team and the crowd made it a night that will always stand out in my athletics memory.”
Finding Strength After Setbacks
Jaroch's journey hasn’t been without challenges. During her freshman year, she suffered a serious concussion that sidelined her from soccer and disrupted her academics. It was a difficult period, but it taught her resilience. “The biggest lesson that I have learned as a student at BVU is to never give up,” she said. With support from her coaches, professors, and teammates, she recovered and came back stronger. “I finished with very strong grades despite having to make up nearly 3 months worth of exams in 3 weeks,” she said.
That determination is something she brings to everything she does. Whether she’s studying for an exam, helping a teammate, or defending the goal, Jaroch approaches each moment with purpose. She also finds balance through music, which has been a constant in her life since fifth grade. “I treat music like my escape because it takes me to a place where I can pause, stop thinking about all the things going on in my life, and just relax,” she said.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Jaroch's sense of responsibility extends beyond campus. Her family fosters dogs through Hands, Hearts, and Paws, an all-dog rescue in Omaha. “We take in dogs from all different situations and give them a temporary home until they find a forever family,” she said. It’s not always easy to say goodbye, but she finds it rewarding to see dogs heal and thrive. That compassion mirrors the empathy she hopes to bring to her future career in healthcare.
She also draws inspiration from athletes she admired growing up, like Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe. “They just played their game and focused on their sport, rather than letting outside opinions and hate get to them,” she said. It’s a mindset that has helped her stay grounded and confident, even when things get tough.
Looking ahead, Jaroch has a simple bucket list dream: to visit La Jolla, California, and see seals in the wild. “Seals are my favorite animal, but I’ve never been able to see one up close in person!” she said. It’s a small reminder that joy can be found in the little things—and that there’s always something to look forward to.
At the heart of all she does are the people who have supported her from the beginning—her parents, Todd and Julie Jaroch. “They are my biggest supporters and all they ever want is for me to be happy and healthy,” she said. Their unwavering encouragement has helped her become the student, athlete, and person she is today.
For Jaroch, BVU is more than a school—it’s a place where she has grown, overcome challenges, and found a second family. “BVU is more than just a school, it’s a family and a place to call home,” she said. And as she continues to chase her goals, both on the field and in the classroom, that sense of belonging will carry her forward."
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to eight full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. The A-R-C also includes two affiliate members for men’s and women’s swimming & diving: Illinois Tech and University of Minnesota Morris.
