Maeve McErlane, a junior guard, is among the 10 new players joining the Colorado Women’s Basketball team for the 2025-26 season. The program has launched a Newcomer Spotlight Series to introduce both its five freshmen and five transfer athletes.
McErlane described her upbringing in Philadelphia as formative, saying, “Growing up in Pennsylvania was one thing, but also growing up in Philadelphia, I think, was another. Philadelphia is such a tight knit community. Everyone knows everyone, especially when it comes to the sports world. I feel like I truly have just a massive family in Philadelphia – friends and real family – but I wouldn’t want to grow up anywhere else.”
She shared that she played several sports before focusing on basketball: “Growing up, I also played softball for a big chunk of my life. I played tennis, and I also did golf in high school, but basketball was the sport that inevitably won me over.” McErlane credits her family’s background for her passion: “My mom played division one basketball, and my whole family is just super sports and basketball oriented. I just felt like I had this love and passion for it, and something that I could just continue to get better and better at. Being on the teams that I was on, those girls are still my friends to this day – girls I’ve played with since third grade. So being able to keep those relationships has also been something truly special.”
Reflecting on her experience playing against Iowa during a record-setting game for women’s basketball attendance, McErlane said: “That moment was surreal, just to have been able to been a part of that, play in that game and also we did the traditional Hawkeye Wave to the Children’s Hospital, which that still gives me chills to this day. We did it after the first quarter, and we dedicated a game to Katie. She actually recently just passed away, which was super tragic. But being able to just play for something even more than just beating the world record was very special.”
On why she chose Colorado University (CU), McErlane cited the coaching staff as her main motivation: “I wanted to be able to play for a team at a high level, I would say the coaching staff is the main reason that I came to CU. Just that family, knit close community. They truly care for you on and off the court and allow you to excel as a basketball player but also a person. I think that this is a community where I can really grow, and that’s the reason why I chose CU.”
McErlane noted how living in Colorado differs from her previous experiences near Philadelphia or studying in Chicago: “Growing up literally right outside of Philadelphia, and also being in school in Chicago for three years, I’m definitely a city girl… So this has been a much different experience that I’m super appreciative of because it’s taken me out of my comfort zone – connecting more with nature… The unfamiliarity with Colorado has honestly been the best experience because I’ve never been here until I got here…”
She highlighted team camaraderie as one of her favorite aspects so far: “Honestly everyone is super close… it’s probably moments that are off the court… We have this anthem we sing on the bus sometimes… So just memories we’ve created off court have been special as well.”
Outside of basketball McErlane enjoys cooking various dishes depending on what she’s craving: “I’m really good at making chicken cutlets… If I’m more in mood for Asian food,I can cook really good Vietnamese food…”
Her favorite TV shows include “The Sopranos” and “90210,” while she enjoys all Tom Cruise’s “Mission Impossible” movies.
Looking ahead after graduation,she hopes remain involved with sports:”I probably want continue do something sports world,whether that’s get into coaching ,continue play overseas [or] work sports media field.Still be determined,but know don’t want let go sports yet.”
For further details about Colorado women’s basketball including schedules or results,fans can visit CUBuffs.com or follow @CUBuffsWBB on Instagram or Twitter.
