Maia Joseph: Playing for the Black Ferns While Studying Medicine

Maia Joseph may be best known as one of the brightest young stars in New Zealand rugby, but thats just one of her two sides.A Black Fern, medical student, and role model for young athletes across Aotearoa, Maia is proving that you don't have to choose between your passions.Growing up in Dunedin, Maia loved sport, worked hard at school, and never imagined she would one day be balancing a professional rugby career with medical school. Yet today, she is doing exactly that - representing New Zealand on the international stage while continuing her journey toward becoming a doctor.In this episode, Maia shares her path from playing rugby with the boys at lunchtime to earning a Black Ferns contract, studying medicine at the University of Otago, and navigating the challenges of pursuing two demanding careers at once.We discuss the realities of medical school, what it takes to perform at the highest level in sport, the influence of family, Māori identity, handling pressure on the world stage, and why she believes young people shouldn't feel limited to a single dream.Throughout the conversation, Maia reflects on the lessons that have shaped her: work hard, stay grounded, follow what you love, and don't be afraid to pursue more than one path.Whether you're an athlete, a student, a parent, or someone trying to figure out what's next, Maia's story is a powerful reminder that ambition, purpose, and passion can coexist.