Maya Deshautelle, a senior at Oak Park High School, has become the latest headline in Ventura County’s basketball story. After a season that placed her among the county’s top returning players, she announced her verbal commitment to Harvard University on August 8, turning down interest from several Ivy League rivals.
The decision came after a brief but decisive visit to Cambridge, where Deshautelle felt an immediate connection with the coaching staff and the university’s academic environment. She described the experience as “exactly what I was looking for,” a sentiment that sealed her choice within hours of stepping onto the historic campus.
Deshautelle’s accolades include being named the 2025‑26 Coastal Canyon League Most Valuable Player. She averaged 13.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game, numbers that helped her secure offers from Yale, Dartmouth and Penn, among other prestigious programs.
Local Roots, Ivy League Dreams
Her recruitment is part of a larger trend: she will join three other Ventura County graduates at Harvard, including Aelo Curtis and Sarah Beckman from Ventura High, as well as former Calabasas baseball player Matthew Witkow. The convergence of local talent at an Ivy League institution underscores the region’s growing influence on national sports stages.
Beyond statistics, Deshautelle emphasized a competitive drive that she believes will translate into success at Harvard. “I want to win,” she said, adding that she trusts the university’s blend of rigorous academics and athletic ambition to nurture both her studies and her game.
The commitment marks a significant milestone in Deshautelle’s athletic and academic journey, positioning her to contribute to Harvard’s program while continuing to develop as a scholar‑athlete. Her story reflects a broader narrative of Ventura County talent making impactful strides on a national stage.