Maica started her sports career at CN Sabadell, inspired by her brother who was already playing water polo. "I used to watch him play. I liked watching the water polo matches more than swimming," she recalls. Initially a goalkeeper, she soon found her calling as a centre forward, a position she continues to excel in.

Coaching and Influence

Under the guidance of coaches David Palma at the club level and Miguel Angel Oca at the national level, Maica has honed her skills. She cites Miguel Angel Oca as the most influential person in her career. Her idol is Spanish water polo player Blanca Gil.

Injuries and Recovery

Maica faced a significant setback when she fractured the ring finger on her right hand two weeks before the 2019 World Championships. She underwent surgery to insert a plate and screws but managed to recover in time for the tournament in Gwangju, Republic of Korea. In July 2020, she had another operation to remove the plate and screws.

Awards and Honours

Maica's achievements are numerous. She was part of the Spanish national team that received an award from the Spanish Sports Press Association for their triumph at the 2020 European Championships in Budapest. She was named Female Water Polo Player of the Year by the European Swimming Federation in 2014 and received multiple MVP awards.

International Break and Return

In May 2017, Maica took a break from the national team and did not compete at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest. She rejoined the team in November 2017, feeling renewed and motivated to start over again.

Business Ventures

Beyond sports, Maica is also a successful business owner. Along with her brother Victor, she owns a barber shop in Sant Cugat, Spain. They started this venture after the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In 2021, they opened a second barber shop in Sant Cugat.

Education

Maica holds a bachelor's degree in advertising and public relations from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. She has also earned two master's degrees from the San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia in communications management and tourism marketing and innovation.

Maica Garcia continues to be a prominent figure in water polo while balancing her business ventures and further education. Her journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for everything she undertakes.