Max Notley ’27. Photo provided.
This is part of a series of articles about student-athletes’ pre-game rituals. Read them all here.
On any given morning, while everyone else is asleep, you can expect to find U17 team captain Max Notley ’27 on the field or the turf. The American-Brit winger is a sophomore, who is in his second year at Northwood. He enjoyed a little taste of success last year, playing a smaller role. However, this year, he will be a vital piece for the team’s success. I sat down with him to learn about how he prepares himself for games.
“When I wake up, I’ll eat a good, heavy breakfast. Then I’ll prep my stuff for the game. And then I’ll continue my prep, stretching, getting my mind right, that sort of stuff.”
Max has a rigid pre-game routine. “I listen to music on the bus ride to games, usually English rap. While on the bus and even before I get on the bus, I start visualizing my game, picturing myself out on the wing, receiving passes into my feet, taking people on.”
The hardworking prospect feels that he is doing the right things but isn’t quite at the level that he would like to be. “I work very hard and will continue to do so, you know, getting up early and doing the extra stuff. I feel I am disciplined and have a good work ethic. So, I think I’m doing all the right things, but I’m not at the level I want to be at just yet.”
Max also shared some interesting advice that he would give to student-athletes. “Be in the moment. Because one day, there won’t be any more team meals or bus rides back to school after a win. So embrace it all, soak it in, and don’t take anything for granted. Give 100% every day. The last thing I’d say is to love what you’re doing, whatever your passion is, give it your all.
He also shared that “everyone is on their own path. Don’t worry about comparing yourself to others because comparison is the thief of joy. It’s only a matter of time before your dreams come true.
