Cedar Park junior guard Gisella Maul commits to Texas
Photo Credit: Zach Smith
Gisella Maul wanted to get the full recruiting experience instead of quickly committing to her hometown dream school from the jump.
But the ability to play high-level college basketball close to family and friends proved too difficult to pass up.
Maul, the 2021-22 Gatorade Texas Girls Basketball Player of the Year who helped the Timberwolves win back-to-back state championships, committed to play for Texas on Monday morning.
“I really feel likes saying close to home and going to Texas is a perfect move for me,” Maul said. “Being able to be around my family and friends is really special.”
Maul received custom Cedar Park sneakers after each of the state title games, so it’s only appropriate that she announced her college decision with a pair of burnt orange Nikes.
Texas head coach Vic Schaefer and the Longhorns finished last season on a good run, winning the Big 12 Tournament for the first time since 2003 and advancing to the Elite Eight for the second year in a row.
“It’s very necessary to have someone be honest with you, that’s what I’m all about,” Maul said of Schaefer. “He’s won so much and done so much in his career. I don’t think there’s anyone else that I’d rather be coached by.”
Maul is a four-star recruit ranked No. 45 in the nation in the 2023 class, according to ESPN’s HoopGurlz. San Antonio Reagan junior Sammie Wagner is No 17 on that list and is also committed to the Longhorns.
The Texas roster is loaded with young talent, including Aaliyah Moore and Big 12 Freshman of the Year guard Rori Harmon. The competition for playing time didn’t deter Maul in the slightest.
“I’m most definitely ready to compete,” she said.
Maul is set to undergo ACL surgery on her right knee and fully expects to take the court for her senior season with the Timberwolves next season.
“I’m beyond excited for her because I know she’s excited,” Cedar Park head coach Donny Ott said. “I think about the kids that have come through here in the last five years that have gone on to play college basketball, and it never gets old.”
Maul was named MVP of the state tournament for the second straight year after scoring 27 points and grabbing 19 rebounds for Cedar Park in a double-overtime win over Frisco Memorial in March.
Last year, she averaged 25.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.9 steals per game.
The Timberwolves have won five straight district titles and haven't lost a district game since Feb. 3, 2017. Cedar Park’s winning streak reached 62 games, the third-longest of any girls’ high school team in the country, according to MaxPreps.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a team like this one,” Maul said “We’ve made history here and have built our legacy as one of the greatest teams in Texas high school basketball history. It’s been a special ride, and I’m ready to continue to build on that next year.”