All the world's a stage and here is a basketball player
New Prague High School graduate Maizie Deihl has pulled double duty this winter,
playing for the University of Minnesota, Duluth women’s basketball team and rehearsing
for the school’s production of “Sister Act,” which debuts April 18. (Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota, Duluth)
BY: Lori C. Melton, University of Minnesota, Duluth
If Maizie Deihl’s story was a musical, it would look like this:
In the first act, the honors student works through her exercise science classes. As the curtain rises on the second act, we see the sophomore on the court, helping the UMD Women’s Basketball team have one of their best seasons ever. Then, in the final act, the music swells, as our star takes center stage and bursts into song. It turns out that Maizie, while talented in academics and athletics, rather unexpectedly has the heart of a thespian.
Maizie’s singing her heart out as Sister Mary Lucy in UMD Theatre’s upcoming production of Sister Act. "The play’s about a woman named Deloris who is forced to hide out in a convent, where she learns from Sister Mary Lucy and the other nuns that community and relationships are far more important than fame and fortune," explains Maizie, who adds the cast and crew are amazing.
It’s her first role with UMD Theatre. Maizie's one of only four cast members who’s not a theatre major and, though she’s been known to slip up and say "half time" when describing the show’s intermission, Maizie has the drive to shine on both the court and the stage.
The Perfect Backdrop Finding time for music and basketball has always been a bit tricky for this New Prague native. Growing up, basketball, a sport she’s played since she was in first grade, temporarily pushed the pause button on performing, but Maizie found time for both by the time she was in high school.
"I love basketball because it’s a team sport, and it’s so competitive," she explains. Basketball’s why she came to UMD, but the opportunity to excel in athletics, academics, and the arts is an unexpected bonus.
"I didn’t think it would be an option to be in plays and play basketball," says Maizie. "I’m so lucky to pursue my passion. I wouldn’t be able to do this at a huge school."
Sister Act director Bill Payne says her.....
To see more on this story pick up the April 11, 2019 print edition of The New Prague Times.
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