Max Goldfine '19 Recruiting Profile

"You can't just look at the back section of the newspaper or the sports section by itself. You need to understand everything that's going on.” - Mike Tirico

This quote resonates with me as I strive to apply this perspective, not just to baseball but to my academics as well. To be a well rounded leader, I find it crucial to be knowledgeable about what is taking place on the field, in the classroom, and throughout my community. I have always been an avid sportsman and uncovered early on my love for baseball. Every day, I challenge myself to improve my skills both on and off the diamond. Prioritizing, limiting distractions, and staying focused are essential for good time management. These attributes translate to my academic excellence where my high school curriculum has consisted of all Honors and Advanced Placement courses. This is the same mindset I possess towards baseball.

Strong leadership skills have always been what I aspire to. I am grateful to have a father who was a United State Army Ranger Officer and always exemplifies leadership. At St. Thomas Aquinas High School, I am enrolled in their leadership program, which meets bi-weekly, before school starts. This course has challenged me to enhance my leadership skills both on and off the field. Each year, our baseball team conducts a hit-a-thon fundraiser. During both my freshman and sophomore year, I was a top fundraiser significantly contributing to my team’s success.

Last May, I was elected to be the Director of Student Council. It was quite an honor as I was only one of three athletes chosen. In Student Council, we are responsible for planning and executing school events, service projects, and fundraisers. Back to School Night, Homecoming, and “Give Back to Aquinas” are a few of this year's

events. While fundraising and Student Council are clearly not direct ways in which I sharpen my baseball skills, it has proven to me that I accept responsibility, honor my commitments and welcome new challenges.

I began my high school career as a left fielder in the fall of my freshman year. During the fall season, my coaches identified my keen knowledge for the game, coupled with my leadership qualities and work ethic. Once the fall season concluded, they discussed a position change to catcher. Beginning in the spring of my freshman year my new role was behind the plate, where I quickly developed competence and worked rigorously to improve. My baseball acumen, leadership skills, and constant desire to improve, earned my coaches’ trust. This led to their decision to allow me to call my own pitches. Throughout my sophomore school season and summer season, I have honed my skills and developed a true knack for leading from behind the plate. In doing so, this has assisted me to enhance my knowledge and take control of the game. In addition, it has facilitated my progress in the pressure of a high leverage situation.

From a physical aspect, I started working with my hitting and catching coach, Rudy Pena, during my freshman year. Rudy has assisted me on my mechanics at the plate and behind the dish. He has helped me mature and become a more disciplined hitter. I now understand the importance of having a focused approach every time I step in the batter’s box. Rudy pushed me both mentally and physically often times to exhaustion, but I am humbled, grateful and stronger for it. During the off-season, I worked on my strength and conditioning at Bommarito Performance Systems, followed by a ninety minute hitting and throwing session with teammates. I sought out every opportunity to advance my skills.

My goal is to attend a University which provides me the opportunity to play collegiate baseball and pursue my intended major in sports broadcast journalism. There is more to me than just “the back section of the newspaper” and I welcome the opportunity to be a leader on your team.