Maya Ene is a fourteen-year-old climber living in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She has shown an interest in climbing from a young age, eager to climb before she could even walk. At the age of two, she began climbing at her parents’ gym, Elite Climbing, in South Jersey. Her passion for climbing grew each year as she slowly transitioned from a playful to competitive mindset. She was exposed to outdoor climbing early on by her parents, both of whom are experienced climbers and massive supporters of Maya. This early exposure led to an intense passion for outdoor climbing, which comes incredibly naturally to her. Her first major outdoor achievement was the ascent of “God’s Own Stone” (5.14a) in Red River Gorge, KY at the age of 11. Two years later, she went on to send two 5.14c’s: “Lucifer” and “Southern Smoke” in Red River Gorge. Her highest onsight grade was 5.13c “Silky Smooth”. As of now, Maya has under her belt about twenty-one 5.13s and five 5.14s.
In bouldering, she has set a goal to climb the grade that matches her age every year. At age 10, she sent her first V10: “Monkey Trench” in Red Rock, NV. At 11, she sent “Tiny Tuesday” (V11) in Haycock, PA. At age 12, she sent “Lethal Design” (V12) in Red Rock, and finally, at 13, she sent “Thrilla in Manila” (V13) in Hueco Tanks, TX.
Maya has been featured in Climbing Magazine, Gripped, 8a.nu, and climbistria.com for her accomplishments.
Although she prefers outdoor climbing, Maya has never failed to excel indoors. She won the USA Climbing Youth National Championship for ropes in both 2022 and 2023 and came in second in 2024. In the year 2025, she placed 8th in Youth World Championship in bouldering which was the biggest realization.
Since she started competing at age ten, she has been a regular at regional, divisional, and local competitions, landing a spot on the podium at many events.
An incredibly social, kind, and open-minded person, Maya has always been eager to support others in her community. She is quick to help with beta, advise beginners, or simply offer comfort to those who are facing challenges in and out of climbing. She also loves coaching and helping out at her parents’ gym.