The moment the New England Patriots selected quarterback Drake Maye in the NFL Draft, a new chapter began not just for the athlete, but for the young woman by his side. As the spotlight turned fiercely on the franchise's new hope, his wife, Ann Michael Maye, stepped into the national narrative with him. Their story, however, is not one that started on draft night. It is a tale of a bond forged in childhood, tested by distance and fame, and solidified by a shared journey through sports, academics, and life.
A Foundation Built From Youth
Long before the multi-million dollar NFL contract and the national headlines, Drake Maye and Ann Michael were just two twelve-year-olds forming a connection. Their relationship as childhood sweethearts proved remarkably resilient. It weathered the changes of attending different high schools—first William Amos Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina, and later Drake's transfer to Myers Park High School in Charlotte. When Drake's football talent earned him a place at the University of North Carolina (UNC), Ann Michael made a conscious choice to follow the same path, enrolling at UNC to ensure their bond remained strong through this significant transition.
While fans and analysts obsessed over Drake's arm strength and on-field poise, those within their circle recognized the immense value of his steady personal life. As pressure mounted through college stardom and the pre-draft frenzy, Ann Michael's constant presence provided an anchor. Their relationship matured quietly in the background, a private foundation that now supports them as they enter the very public world of the NFL together.
More Than a Partner: A Leader in Her Own Right
Ann Michael Maye is far from just a supportive spouse. She brings her own formidable record of achievement and leadership. A multi-sport athlete in high school, she captained teams in softball, field hockey, and cheerleading, demonstrating early competitive spirit and teamwork. This passion for sports extended beyond her own playing days. She later channeled it into mentoring, coaching an under-10 girls' softball team in Chapel Hill, showcasing a commitment to giving back to the community through athletics.
Her leadership qualities shone brightly during her time at UNC as a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. She took on the serious responsibility of vice-president of finance for the Beta Chi chapter. In this role, she managed complex financial operations, overseeing monthly dues for more than 200 members and handling budgets for major events. This experience provided her with real-world financial acumen, a skill set that extends far beyond typical campus activities.
Shared Roots and a Future Forged Together
The couple's ties to UNC football run even deeper through family. Ann Michael's brother, Tad Hudson, was also a quarterback for the Tar Heels, coincidentally on the roster during Drake Maye's rise to stardom. In 2023, Tad found himself as the backup to the breakout starter—who was also dating his sister. This unique overlap added a special, familial layer to their shared college experience, intertwining their personal and athletic lives even further.
Academically and personally driven, Ann Michael graduated from UNC in 2025 with a degree in Business Administration and furthered her education at the prestigious Kenan Flagler Business School. Alongside her business focus, she dedicated time to impactful causes, actively participating in Sources of Strength, a national suicide prevention program aimed at bolstering student mental health.
As Drake Maye embarks on his professional career with the New England Patriots, backed by a guaranteed $36,639,764 contract, he does so with a partner equipped for the journey ahead. Ann Michael Maye enters this new chapter not merely as the quarterback's wife, but as a grounded, accomplished individual with financial savvy, a history of leadership, and a profound sense of community purpose. Together, they represent a modern NFL partnership built on a lifetime of shared history and mutual ambition.
