Today I will introduce you guys to one of my good friends,  and old teammate, Max Wootten. Max is from Saint Charles Missouri, and we  go way back. We only played two years of club soccer together at Saint Louis Scott Gallagher  back in 2016 and 2017. Max is great a player that can play any position on the field and does a good job at it. However,  max is more than just a soccer player. Max is currently a sophomore at one of the top D2 schools in athletics as well as academically, The University of Missouri in Saint Louis, where he plays for the men’s soccer program which the compete in the GLVC.

How long have you been playing soccer? And what is one of your favorite memories?

“I’ve been playing soccer for 17 years now, I started back when I was only 3 years old for the best club in the U.S. Saint Louis Scott Gallagher. My favorite memory is back in the summer of 2016 where we won state cup for Saint Louis Scott Gallagher, with Oz lol”.

What is one of you favorite thing about college soccer, rather than club or high school? What is your favorite thing about the institution you are at now?

“ favorite about college soccer is that, back in high school and club soccer some of the players were just playing for fun and that was frustrating. However,  in college is much different, everyone wants to compete and earn a spot in the starting eleven. I really like UMSL (University of Missouri in Saint Louis), the location where the school is at and all the friends I’ve made here”.

Is it hard being a student athlete at UMSL? Why?

“I would definitely say yes. You have to learn to balance school, athletics, and work which can be challenging. Although most schools provide good amount of support with student athletes and professors at UMSL are very understanding”.

What is one thing you wish it was different? (regarding being a Student Athlete).

“ I think that allot of the NCAA’s rules are irrational and can end up hurting plenty of people. I think that if companies want to endorse an athlete or pay him for advertising, then athletes should be able to take the money. Not all athletes have time to get a job or parents who are financially stable to be able to support their kid’s expenses.   

What is some advice you would give an incoming student athlete coming to your university?

“ Introduce yourself to your professors so that you are on their good side, go to class, and focus on your first semester grades, so that you opt out of the mandatory study hall”.

Any comments?

“ LGB!”