Maya (L) and Tom Brady, sports run in the family blood.

Tom Brady has always distinguished himself by supporting his family through thick and thin. That support extends beyond his children, his niece Maya has also felt the former NFL star’s impulse throughout her college softball career, to the extent that the young woman considers him a father figure.

Maya has been named a three-time All-American and boasts two Pac-12 Player of the Year nods. Currently, the young Brady participates in the Women’s College World Series with the UCLA Bruins, where they lost 1-0 to the Oklahoma Sooners this Saturday.

Video thumbnail

The Bruins shortstop is the oldest daughter of Maureen Brady, Tom’s older sister. According to press reports, Maureen is a single mother and has raised her two daughters, Maya and Hannah, alone, with the unconditional support of Tom. Maya has repeatedly said that she views Brady as a father.

Maya’s relationship with Tom

“I have an amazing relationship with my uncle. And I think it takes that pressure off because I know at the end of the day if I don’t meet the standards of what people think I should do, he doesn’t care,” Maya said, speaking to ESPN.

The support of the seven-time Super Bowl winner was vital for Maya precisely after the loss to the Sooners. The Bruins played an excellent game but ultimately fell in a close pitching duel.

Sooners pitcher Kelly Maxwell struck out 11, including Maya Brady three times. Despite her niece’s bad afternoon, Tom’s support remains the same, and in the end, “that’s all that matters,” Maya assured.

The family legacy

The 23-year-old explained, “Sports is just a huge part of our family, and we’re all very competitive. It gives us so much joy. Off the field, we’re all very nice, sweet people. Once we get on the field, it feeds that other side of us that is super competitive.”

“It’s an honor to carry on the legacy of the Brady name. My family is just everything to me,” Maya assured.

Speaking of legacy, soon there will be another proud heir to the Brady name trying to make sports history. Hannah, Maya’s younger sister, committed to the University of Michigan volleyball team.

It is worth remembering that Tom Brady is a proud Michigan Wolverine himself.