Born in the Netherlands in 1956, Maya Bonte Vannatta moved to the United States at a young age, first settling in New York before her family made their way to Santa Clara, California where she grew up and found her lifelong connection to the Santa Clara Vanguard.

Maya’s journey with SCV began in 1971 when she first saw the SCV “A” Corps perform at a standstill show at an end-of-year school event. Inspired, she immediately joined the newly
formed SCV “B” Corps color guard and marched 1971-72 before she was moved up to the “A” Corps. Maya marched with the “A” Corps from 1973 – 76, during which time she earned two DCI World Championship titles in 1973 and 1974. While in the corps, she was also a student at Wilcox High School, where many of her classmates were fellow Vanguard members.

After graduating in 1974, Maya attended West Valley College while continuing her involvement with the corps. Several years after her last season with SCV, Maya moved to the East Coast, got married, and started a family. In 1996, she returned to Santa Clara and quickly re-engaged with the Vanguard community this time as an active alumna and tireless volunteer.
Maya performed with the SCV Alumni Corps in 1997, 2002, and 2004 (including their appearance in the Rose Parade), and she also marched with the Alumni Winter Guard in 2003.
Although she was unable to perform in 2017, she took on a leadership role in fundraising and coordinated meals for the corps and staff during camp weekends.

Her contributions to the Vanguard family extend far beyond performance. Maya became deeply involved with the SCV Booster Club and Alumni Association, serving on the Alumni Association Board as both Treasurer and President. She helped organize spaghetti dinners, Bay Meadows brunches, rock climbing outings, and salsa dancing events to foster alumni connection and support the corps.

With the Booster Club, Maya lent her time to Pacific Procession and spent summers traveling with the Souvenir Team, representing SCV at shows across the country selling merchandise, greeting fans, and sharing the Vanguard story.

One of her most consistent contributions began in 1997 when she noticed a need for help in the Ms Amana kitchen during monthly preseason camps. For over two decades, until 2024, Maya helped design menus, shop for food, and organize volunteers, creating a welcoming space and a home-cooked experience for corps members, many of whom were away from home for the first time.

She also worked Bingo events for several years and eventually became the organization’s Volunteer Coordinator. In 2007, Maya joined the SCV Board of Directors, continuing her unwavering service to the organization. Whether staffing an event, preparing food, or stepping into a leadership role, Maya has always answered the call with enthusiasm and dedication.

In recent years, Maya has continued to serve the Vanguard community by preparing meals at Hall of Fame induction events, including Gail Royer’s beloved spaghetti sauce, always bringing the same heart and spirit she’s shared with the corps for over five decades.

Above all, Maya is devoted to her family – her husband, her son, and their life together. Yet her enduring love for Santa Clara Vanguard remains evident in every volunteer hour and every act of support. Her lifelong passion and tireless contributions have left an indelible mark on the organization and everyone fortunate enough to serve alongside her.