Houston, TX — The Rice University Community and Women’s Basketball World Mourn the Loss of Folasade “Maya” Adetula
HOUSTON, TX — The sudden passing of Folasade “Maya” Adetula, an alumna of Rice University and a beloved figure in the world of women’s basketball, has left the university community and the basketball world reeling. Maya, a proud member of the Class of 2015, tragically passed away on May 7, 2025, and her loss has created a void that is deeply felt by her family, friends, teammates, and countless others who had the privilege of knowing her. Maya was more than an exceptional athlete; she was a radiant spirit, a compassionate soul, and a person whose faith and kindness touched everyone she encountered.
Her unexpected death has sent shockwaves through Rice University’s campus, the athletic community, and the wider basketball world. Maya’s legacy extends far beyond her athletic achievements, as she was also known for her positive influence off the court, her deep commitment to service, and the unwavering support she provided to her peers, mentors, and teammates. In many ways, Maya embodied the very best qualities of Rice University — excellence, integrity, and a commitment to lifting up others.
A Rising Star on the Court
Folasade “Maya” Adetula arrived at Rice University with a determination to succeed both academically and athletically. Her basketball career with the Rice Owls Women’s Basketball team was nothing short of remarkable. Standing tall and playing with precision and grace, Maya quickly became a standout player. Her physicality and basketball IQ allowed her to dominate on both ends of the court, from setting up plays to shutting down opponents.
Throughout her time with the Owls, Maya earned numerous accolades, including Conference USA All-Academic Team honors and All-Conference recognition. However, it wasn’t just her statistics that made Maya memorable; it was her leadership. As a captain, Maya was the heartbeat of the team, a vocal leader who led by example with her work ethic, discipline, and dedication. Her commitment to team success was evident every time she stepped onto the court, and her ability to uplift her teammates was unparalleled.
“Maya was the ultimate teammate,” said Blair Schaefer, a former teammate and close friend of Maya. “She knew how to inspire and motivate everyone around her, not by words alone, but through her actions. She was the kind of player who made everyone better, and that’s the mark of a true leader.”
Her presence on the basketball court was magnetic. Maya was known for her fierce determination and competitive spirit, which made her an invaluable asset to the team. Her legacy as a player is not just defined by her skills, but by the heart and soul she poured into every game, practice, and interaction with her teammates.
An Unforgettable Presence Off the Court
While Maya’s athletic achievements were impressive, they only told part of her story. Those who knew her best often recall her as a woman of deep faith, humility, and compassion. Maya was the type of person who always made time for others, whether they were teammates, friends, or strangers. She carried an infectious positivity that made everyone feel included and loved.
Her compassion extended far beyond her personal circle. During her time at Rice University, Maya was heavily involved in community service, using her platform as a student-athlete to give back to those in need. She was particularly passionate about mentoring young girls and inspiring them to pursue their dreams, both on and off the basketball court. Maya was dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others, and her efforts to uplift those around her were driven by her belief in the power of community and connection.
“Maya had this incredible gift of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room,” said Toni Walker, one of Maya’s mentors at the university. “She had a way of listening that made you feel heard, and a kindness that made everyone feel valued. She was truly a beacon of light in our community.”
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Maya was known for her unwavering belief in God, and she often spoke about how her faith sustained her through the ups and downs of her basketball career and life in general. Her spirituality was evident in her daily life, from her involvement in church activities to the way she treated others with grace and respect. For Maya, faith wasn’t just something she practiced; it was something she lived every single day.
A Legacy of Leadership, Faith, and Compassion
Beyond her athletic achievements, it was Maya’s ability to lead with compassion and love that defined her legacy. Her leadership was not just about her basketball skills or her ability to lead her team to victory; it was about her ability to inspire others through her character and the way she lived her life.
As a student at Rice, Maya majored in Psychology, driven by her desire to understand the complexities of the human mind and help others. She was passionate about mental health advocacy and was committed to using her education to help young athletes and individuals cope with the pressures of performance, identity, and well-being. Maya often spoke about the importance of mental health awareness, both in the world of sports and in everyday life.
Her classmates and professors recall her as a brilliant student who balanced the demands of being a student-athlete with a rigorous academic workload. Her dedication to both her studies and her sport was a testament to her work ethic, discipline, and determination. Maya’s academic success, paired with her role as a leader on the basketball court, made her a role model for those around her.
As a mentor and friend, Maya always made time for others. Her home was a place of refuge for her teammates and friends, where they could talk openly, laugh, and find comfort. Maya’s willingness to give of herself — her time, her attention, her energy — left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
The Heartbreaking Loss: A Community Grieves
Maya’s unexpected passing on May 7 has left an unfillable hole in the hearts of her family, friends, and the Rice University community. Her teammates, coaches, and fellow alumni are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a woman who was much more than a basketball player; she was a beloved friend, an inspiring leader, and a light that brightened everyone’s day.
“I keep trying to find the right words to describe Maya, but nothing feels enough,” said Tanya, a former teammate. “She was everything to me — a sister, a friend, and a role model. I can’t believe she’s gone. I feel like we were just starting to realize how much of an impact she had, not just on the court but in all of our lives. Maya will always be in my heart, and I’ll carry her memory with me forever.”
Rice University is planning a memorial service to honor Maya’s life and legacy. The service will provide an opportunity for friends, family, coaches, and teammates to gather and share their stories of how Maya impacted their lives. The university and the Rice Owls Women’s Basketball program will also dedicate a scholarship in her name, ensuring that Maya’s spirit of leadership, faith, and service will continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes.
Maya’s Legacy: Continuing the Work She Loved
Though Maya’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy will continue to live on through the countless people she touched. The Folasade “Maya” Adetula Memorial Fund has been established in her honor to support mental health initiatives and youth sports programs, causes that were near and dear to Maya’s heart. The fund will help provide scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and resources for young people in need, continuing Maya’s work of uplifting and empowering others.
Her family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Rice University community and beyond. They take solace in knowing that Maya’s life was one lived with purpose, and that her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.
“Maya’s passing is a deep, personal loss to our family, but we take comfort in knowing how much she gave to this world,” said Folasade Adetula, Maya’s mother. “She was a light to everyone she met, and we are so proud of the woman she became. Maya’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her, and we are grateful for every moment we shared with her.”
Rest in Peace, Maya Adetula
Maya Adetula was a champion in every sense of the word — not just on the basketball court, but in the way she lived her life. She was a leader, a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of positivity. Her impact on those who knew her will never be forgotten, and her memory will continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes, especially those who wear the Rice Owls jersey.
Rest in peace, Maya Adetula. Your light will never fade, and you will always be remembered.