It is a hot, humid summer morning, and the Valwood campus is practically empty. There’s only a handful of cars in the parking lot; and Goddard Field is abandoned; a big difference from the typical jam-packed stands that are standard for Friday nights in the fall.
In the middle of the field stands Maysoe Wiley, Jr., accompanied by his father. As staff members flank either side, the photographer proceeds to address the Valwood senior with directions for the shoot. He calmly switches helmets, switches jerseys, and stares into the camera lens with the most daunting gaze possible.
The results of the session would eventually become the cover of the South Georgia Preseason Edition of In the Game Magazine. Though the shoot, geared towards prepping the public for the 2015 football season, was intended to give off a tough, intimidating vibe, Maysoe can’t help but occasionally crack a smile or exchange laughs with everyone in attendance. His humble nature and demeanor is a solid balance of his talent and determination on the field; he is the perfect fit on a team that adopted the one-word mantra of “relentless” just prior to his arrival.
Unless you know him personally, or took the time to ask someone, you may have never even realized that Maysoe was the cover athlete. It’s not something that he brags about; he is simply a willing participant in something that he loves to do.
Born in Adel, Georgia, Maysoe rose through the football ranks, eventually starring at receiver for Cook High School. About a month into his junior year, his family decided to make the switch from the black and yellow to the royal blue and orange of Valwood School. And, thus far, the transition has been well-received.
“There’s such a family atmosphere here (at Valwood),” Maysoe says. “I enjoy the college-like atmosphere, and being here has taught me to handle increased responsibility, both on and off the field.”
The private-school life is proving to work out for the Wiley family; Maysoe, especially. He is taking advantage of every chance given to him; he is often given opportunities to advance, whether it is in the classroom or on the gridiron.
“Being at Valwood has taught me a lot,” he says. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned since I’ve been here is the importance of time management. With the school having such a college feel, you have to budget your time accordingly.”
Looking to the future, Maysoe would like to a four-year degree in either sports management or physical therapy; he would also like to continue his studies beyond a bachelor’s degree. Although offers are on the table, a final decision on his collegiate location has yet to be made. One thing, however, is certain. In a short time, Maysoe Wiley Jr.’s reception at Valwood School has been one made with open arms.
Maysoe Wiley, Jr.
Wide Receiver / Safety, Valwood Valiants
Parents: Maysoe Sr. and LaShandra Wiley
Sibling: Gabrielle Wiley (Older sister)
By the Numbers:
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 210 lbs.
Jersey Number: 13
The Past
Birthdate: July 28, 1998
Age that he began playing: 7
The Present
Experience
Second year at Valwood
Touchdown Receptions in a Game
2 (As a member of the Valiants)
4 (Overall)
Longest Reception
78 yards (in 2013, against Fitzgerald)
The Future
College Offers: 6 (Division I)
South Georgia / October 2015
Facts & Figures
Maysoe Wiley, Jr.
Valwood School
Valdosta, Ga.
Valwood Senior Has Smooth Reception to Private School
By James Washington
Photography by Micki K Photography
