This is part of a series of interviews Florida Lacrosse News is conducting with recent Florida lacrosse players that have committed to college programs. We bring you these interviews as a way to give you an inside look at how they got to where they are now . . . as well as getting to know them at a personal level! Max Parker – Lake Highland Prep Position: FO/M Height: 5’11” Weight: 185 Club Team: Team Florida, Sweetlax Honors: 9th grade most improved player, 10th grade Florida player to watch, 11th grade: state champion, Nike Honor Roll, most faceoffs won/attempted in State single season ever, Faceoff Award, Nike South Top Performer, Under Armour South All American Why Did You Choose Syracuse? I chose Syracuse because of the high level of lacrosse (ESPN doesn’t hurt), the beautiful school (author’s note – should have visited Hobart Max!), incredible location, new Biology buildings, coaches, and the opportunity to win a National Title. Was the recruiting process what you thought it would be? Not at all. No two processes are the same, and nothing is quite like the book says either. I learned God works in funny ways and everything happens for a reason, and before you know it a great opportunity can present itself to you, or be taken away. How Would You Describe Your Game And What Do You Want To Improve On? I would describe myself as a grinder, and a kid who will never be out worked on the field. Faceoffs are my job, so I will do anything to win them to help my team, whether it means winning a draw, getting a ground ball in traffic or playing tough defense. Although speed and my shot are two facets of the game that have brought me down in the past, I am working enormously hard to better myself in those areas and have seen massive improvement in them both, by season I believe I can make those previous weaknesses my strengths. What Was Your First Lacrosse Experience? I watched Lake Highland play Bishop Moore and Winter Park back in the Middle School days and was completely addicted to the fast paced high energy level that we have always played at under Coach Spaulding. Those few “first contacts” with lacrosse made me itch to begin playing the game. Who Was Your Biggest Lacrosse Influence? Watching Brian Rotatori and Grant Mahler play for Lake Highland and Saint Andrews respectively my 6th-8th grade years immediately piqued my interest in the game… Their undying grit yet smooth style of play at the faceoff X really inspired how I play today. My JV Coach, Coach Mulligan gave me inspiration to play college lacrosse at the highest level my 9th grade year when I really didn’t know if I could. I’ll never forget the words he spoke to me about playing D-1 lacrosse that day. Which College/Pro Players Do You Like Watching The Most? I watch college and pro face-off guys do battle a whole lot and tend to mix and match my style between them all while adding my own flair and personal touch to it. I always loved watching Alex Smith take over a game from the X, while I learn a whole lot from watching Tim Fallon duke it out, same goes for Greg Gurenlian and tend to add a little RG Keenan quickness into it all. What Is Your Lacrosse Goal For This Season? I wish to repeat as a State Champion in 2014 and establish a dynasty at Lake Highland that is here to stay. Do You Already Know What You Want To Study In College And What Is It? I wish to study Biology at Syracuse, perhaps more specifically, Cellular Biology About Me: Faith and Family over anything! Favorite Meal: Mom’s mac and cheese, Dad’s burgers! Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad Favorite Sport Besides Lacrosse: Football What Is On Your IPod/Smart Phone for Music? Avicii / Jack Johnson What celebrity would you most like to meet? Tim Tebow What Hobby Or Interest Do You Have That Would Surprise People Who Know You? Not too shabby of a singer