Senior Max Grossenbacher has been a linchpin for Coach Scott Palguta’s squad thus far this season. From a central midfield position, Grossenbacher has amassed 9 goals and led the Tigers to a No. 2 seed in the SCAC Tournament, which will be played this weekend on Stewart Field.
Q: How did playing soccer shape your adolescence?
A: I was born in L.A., but I grew up in Austin, Tex. and basically, from as long ago as I can remember, I was always playing sports—baseball, basketball, but a lot of soccer. I just loved playing with my friends, but eventually, I had to choose one sport to focus on. That was hard, but it definitely shaped who I was because all my friends in middle school and high school were soccer players. We would hang out all day and practice wouldn’t end until 10:30 at night… but it was definitely worth it.
Q: Do you have any great early soccer memories?
A: I remember in 7th grade, it was the State Championship for South Texas. It was my first year on this team, and they were the highest team in the club. We were losing 2-0 to the defending champions from the year before, and I scored a goal around the 60th minute off a corner kick. We won 3-2 and then ended up winning the state championship that year, so that a great memory from soccer.
Q: When did you know you were serious about soccer?
A: When I got to high school, I knew it was something I was really going to be committed to. I played high school soccer and on the club team. It was basically my life; I was playing every day of every year.
Q: What’s your favorite pre-game pump up song?
A: “Wolf Like Me” by TV on the Radio.
Q: How does playing soccer tie into your general happiness?
A: In high school and especially in college, my best friends have been soccer players. Also, beyond that soccer is a great way to release frustration. No matter what’s going on in a day, I can forget about everything when I get to practice and just play with my best friends here at school. That’s a great way to live I think- to have something that’s always there for you.
Q: When are you the happiest?
A: Soccer is definitely one of the things that makes me happiest. I also play a lot of music. I’ve been taking piano lessons since I was four years old, so it makes me really happy to play music with my friends. Those two things make me the most happy. If I need something to pick me up, I’ll go to one of those.
Q: What has soccer done for you emotionally, physically, and spiritually?
A: Well, I’m in shape. I’m not the most motivated person to just go lift weights or run around the track for no reason. My ideal way to get exercise is by playing soccer with my friends. As far as emotionally, it’s created a web of support. All of my friends and mentors come from soccer and those are people I look up to and go to if I ever need help. And spiritually… that’s a tough question.
Q: Who are your favorite soccer players?
A: My favorite U.S. soccer player is probably Michael Bradley. My favorite national player is Mesut Ozil, and my favorite female player is Alex Morgan.
Q: Do you see soccer in your future?
A: Yeah, it will always be a part of me. If I ever have kids, I can see myself wanting to teach them how to play soccer and coach their teams. I’ll always watch soccer on TV and talk to my friends about the greatest new goal scored. It’s something that can tie people together, especially because it’s the world’s game.