The Mayfield High School Lady Trojan basketball team is asking for the community’s support as they raise money to help individuals in their own community who are battling cancer. While the fight against cancer can feel isolating, the Lady Trojans want cancer warriors to know they are not alone.
For the past 19 years, the Lady Trojans have raised more than $47,500 in support of cancer research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Cowboys for Cancer. This year, the girls’ basketball team hopes to extend that impact by supporting MD Anderson Cancer Center, while also helping at least five local individuals who are currently fighting cancer in our community. At Mayfield, cancer warriors are more than honorees, they are family. During sporting events, the Mayfield family proudly surrounds them with love, encouragement, and unwavering support.
Each year, the team hosts its annual PINK Game to promote cancer awareness and fundraising efforts. This year’s game holds especially deep meaning, as the Trojan community has come together to walk alongside one of their own through a cancer journey. On July 14, 2025, Mayfield basketball coach Jeneca Maya Montoya was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer.
“You think you’re too young, I’m not even old enough to get a mammogram yet,” Montoya said. “You think, ‘Well, it’s nothing,’ and then you hear the words, ‘You have cancer,’ and your life turns upside down.”
Soon after, she was overwhelmed by support from her family, the school, and the community. Her father, George Maya, is the head coach of the Mayfield High School girls’ varsity basketball team and helped establish the program’s early cancer fundraising efforts years ago when Montoya was a student.
Maya said the family immediately leaned on their faith, and the community quickly responded with overwhelming support.
“Hearing it from our community that ‘we’re going to be praying for you,’ they just came out from everywhere telling my daughter how much they love her, how much they think of her, it was just amazing,” Maya said. “I don’t even know how to pay that back.”
It has been a long journey for Montoya. She has undergone chemotherapy, received a double mastectomy, and has several follow-up appointments scheduled later this month. Despite the challenges, she says the outpouring of love has made a lasting impact.
“I’ve never felt the love that I have during this time,” Montoya said. “It’s been heartwarming, and it really lets me know that I’m not alone.”
Players say the cause is deeply personal and meaningful.
“Coach is strong. Anyone battling anything is strong,” said Alyx Triste, a senior. “We’re all in this together.”
Montoya’s niece, Ashlyn Maya, who also plays basketball for the Lady Trojans, says the team finds comfort in giving back to the community. “When you give back and when you can help, it shows you care,” Maya said. “It means a lot to families who are struggling. It warms our hearts, it warms theirs, and in the end, we know we made an impact.”
The upcoming PINK Game will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. at Mayfield High School. Leading up to the game, student-athletes are selling PINK shirts, $17 for youth sizes and $20 for adult sizes. Community members can purchase shirts by visiting the Lady Trojan Basketball team’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Additional fundraising efforts include “Fill the Jar with Loose Change” and an online GoFundMe, with a goal of raising $7,000 to support individuals battling all forms of cancer.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Montoya says breast cancer does not discriminate and can affect anyone at any age. During her annual breast exam just two months before her diagnosis, nothing abnormal was detected. She encourages early detection through self-breast exams and regularly scheduled mammogram screenings.
The Lady Trojans Annual Basketball PINK Game will be livestreamed exclusively on LCPS.TV. Click here to watch the Trojans take on the Las Cruces High School Bulldawgs at the George Maya Championship Court at Mayfield High School.
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Instagram: @ladytrojanbasketball.mhs
Facebook: Lady Trojan Basketball
Donate here: GoFundMe