Some bonds are simply unbreakable. You might make bold career moves, but the places and people that shaped you always hold a special spot in your heart. For Australian star Maya Joint, it’s no different. Having turned pro just last December, you’d think her focus would be entirely on her tennis career. But nope—her love for her educational institution, the University of Texas, still shines through. And in her latest post, she’s making sure everyone knows it!

The Texas Women’s Tennis took to its official Instagram account and shared a string of pictures. The photos comprise several players including Carmen Andreea Herea and Ariana Anazagasty-Pursoo besides the coach of the team, Howard Joffe. “The 2025 season is here! 🤘 #HookEm,” the post read and quickly gained a good number of engagements. But what caught the attention was the reaction that came from none other than Joint.

Taking to her Instagram story, the Australian star reshared the post and captioned it, “🤘🤘🧡🧡,” signifying her support and admiration for the team. Remember, Joint committed to the Texas Longhorns tennis team in 2023 and started the stint in the 2024 season. She remained with the team for quite some time before eventually deciding that she would turn pro and forego her college opportunities in December, last year. And interestingly, this is not the first time that her love for the University has come to light.

Speaking about her experience, Joint once said, “I just loved Austin, the city is so cool. I just love everything about the school,” per Forbes. She also lauded her coaches there and acknowledged, “I really love the coaches there.” Continuing further, she added, “I have mainly online classes which helps me, but I’m really excited for when I get to go there.” And now, her latest reaction has once again emphasized that despite leaving the University team, her love and affiliation for her alma mater have remained strong enough. 

Meanwhile, Maya Joint will now look to make her institution proud at the Australian Open, for which, she is already beaming with excitement and confidence. 

Maya Joint exudes confidence ahead of her Australian Open campaign

Maya Joint will play her first match at the Australian Open on Monday against the American star Jessica Pegula. This will be only the second time that the 18-year-old tennis prodigy has ensured a spot for herself in the main draw of a Grand Slam, and hence, the excitement is palpable for her. 

Speaking about the same, the star player said, “It’s my first main draw here, so nothing to lose,” Joint says. “Just go out and have fun. I haven’t really felt overwhelmed. I’m just really excited. I switched over to Australia in 2023 and it’s been amazing.” Continuing further, she also shared her experience from her pre-Australian Open events and added, “I mean, when I played here for the first time (in qualifying last year), they really made me feel like I was always representing Australia. Playing in Brisbane and in Hobart this year has been the same.” And although she is entering the tournament as an underdog, she doesn’t really mind the tag. 

“I like being the underdog. You just go out, have no pressure. See what I can do,” she added ahead of her campaign. Now, as the tournament unfolds, it will be interesting to see if Maya Joint can actually do some wonders and register some sensational wins.