By UCF Housing
March 2026
Next time you’re at a UCF game, you might spot resident Maya Shternshus on the sidelines, camera in hand, capturing the moments that bring game day to life. A current resident in the Lake Claire community, Maya has turned her passion for photography into real-world experience as a Photo Intern with UCF Athletics. As a Media Production major with a Theater minor, she’s found a way to combine creativity and storytelling, capturing the energy of UCF sports from a perspective most students never get to see.
Maya discovered the opportunity through initiative, researching online and following photographers she admired on social media. From there, she took the extra step to reach out to staff before even interviewing—something she credits as a key part of her success. “Talk to anyone you know because they might know someone,” she shared. “Networking is key. Regardless of the role, the people you know can help you out.”
Now, Maya spends her time on the sidelines of some of UCF’s biggest athletic events, photographing everything from high-energy volleyball matches to major basketball games. One of her favorite memories was shooting the Men’s Basketball Space Game against Texas Tech, where she captured the excitement as fans stormed the court. While those large-scale moments stand out, she notes that volleyball holds a special place for her. “There’s so much emotion to capture,” she explained, highlighting the fast pace and expressive nature of the sport. In addition to shooting, Maya also edits some of her photos, many of which are used across UCF Athletics’ social media platforms.
Outside of her internship, Maya stays involved across campus through organizations like the Sport Business Club, Society of Professional Journalists, weekly trivia at the UCF Campus Store, and the Graphic Design Student Association. These experiences not only expand her network but also allow her to be involved in different ways.
Living on campus has played a major role in Maya’s ability to stay engaged and take advantage of opportunities. In Lake Claire, she’s just a five- to ten-minute walk from many campus events, making it easy to balance academics, extracurriculars, and her internship. Whether she’s heading to a game or attending a community event, everything feels within reach. She regularly participates in Lake Claire programming and often brings friends along to join. “It’s fun to hang out with other people in the community and do crafts together,” she said, and notes some of her favorite events have included cookie decorating, Chicken, Waffles and Wellness (a Lake Claire Signature Event), and Halloween-themed programming.
From capturing unforgettable moments on the field to building connections across campus, Maya’s experience shows how taking initiative and staying involved can be a crucial part of one’s college experience.
