Sideline Stories: Max Murray, National Champion, Pro Soccer Player

When I first started playing soccer, I was three years old. I started playing because my sister, Mia, who was two years older than me, was also playing soccer in the Kennebunkport Youth Soccer program. It certainly made trips to the field a family experience, especially as the son of parents who both played college soccer at the University of Southern Maine. We are a soccer family. I credit both of my parents not only for the athletic genes, but for their support throughout the early years and obviously still today. 

As I look back, I continue to appreciate the support from my family more and more as I get older; or maybe the appreciation has grown as the home games get further away. In college, my parents and family would try to make the trip to Burlington as much as possible. Many families of college athletes will tell you, it takes a village, and that is so true.

Whether it was trips to practice, traveling to out of state tournaments or sharing their support, my family has been my rock. I can remember making some pretty important decisions about my soccer career as a teenager, and their support and guidance didn’t go unnoticed. Since I have an older sister and younger brothers, my parents juggled schedules a lot. I also think they also passed the competitive genes down to my sister and my brothers because we always pushed each other; I have always been grateful for that.

Ultimately, my decision to play soccer at the University of Vermont allowed me to stay in New England and be part of a college with a really strong soccer program. When I was being recruited by several schools, I remember the Vermont coaches sharing their vision to compete, and one day win a national championship. During my time in Vermont, our team tasted success on the national stage, including my junior and senior year. I felt like we were so close to breaking through and that is one of the main reasons I decided to return for my fifth year; we had unfinished business. 

The season got off to a tough start with just one win in our first four games. We were hit by adversity with several injuries and we made adjustments to our line-up, including my transition from striker to defense. I remember when my coach Rob Dow asked if I was willing to move back to the back line. I don’t know if we both knew how well it would work out, but I am glad I did. After all, if we were going to turn our season around it was going to take a village. Sure enough, we went on a run and had a 9-game unbeaten streak. 

In the NCAA tournament, we faced more adversity, going in unranked and facing many of the top teams in the country on the road at their home field, but that’s when we really found our identity, not only as Catamounts, but as dogs. We didn’t believe we were underdogs, just dogs. It quickly became our team motto. Simply put, each player on the team was willing to outwork the opponent and do whatever it was going to take to win. 

I also know our fans were a huge part of our success. In Vermont, there isn’t a pro sports team, so at UVM we benefit from all the sports fans who want to show their support. We also had alumni and fans from across the world who were supporting us. We fed off the fans all season long, not only at home but on the road, too. I want them to know we truly appreciate them, and their support is something I will never forget.

On the field, I know our team believed we could beat anybody. After beating #2 Pittsburgh to get to the College Cup, that was huge for us. It showed us we could beat any team in the country. 

One of my most vivid memories was in the national semifinal. I remember standing in the huddle against Denver and telling the guys if we didn’t get this done now, it was going to be over. I didn’t want it to be my last game in the green. I just felt like this was our time, this was our moment. Eventually we went on to win in penalty kicks, propelling us to the National Championship game.

We talked as a team that we had a few ups and downs this year, but you know the thing is you want to catch fire at the right time. In the biggest moments our best players showed up when we needed them the most and that showed the whole tournament.

With the dog-like mentality we went on to beat Marshall, 2-1 in OT. After Maximilian Kissel scored the stadium erupted with cheering from our fans for what seemed like hours. In the blink of an eye, we became the first team from Vermont to win a National Championship; it was unreal.

Then the days after winning the national championship were crazy. We had several guys about ready to get drafted and talking with MLS teams to see where they would land. The MLS SuperDraft was just five days after the national championship game, and I was meeting with teams and taking calls about where I might land. 

I got the call at home while watching the draft that I had been selected by New York City FC. I will always remember that moment, having it all sink in. Everything happened so fast. Now I am in New York working hard to get into the line-up and prove myself at the next level. 

When I look back at my college career, and as a kid growing up in Maine, playing soccer and being noticed in sports is kind of difficult. We don’t have a lot going for us, and if we do, we’ve got to travel really far for it. But it just shows that if you’re willing to put in the hard work and the dedication, you can achieve anything.

I also think the next generation of athletes can change the perception of athletes from Maine. Just look at the past few years, with athletes like professional golfer Caleb Manuel, WNBA player, Mackenzie Holmes, and probably the first pick in the NBA draft, Cooper Flagg. I want to help young boys and girls in Maine realize that to do things that have never been done before, someone has to be first, why not you?

In many cases, athletes in Maine carry the same traits as their families, we’re hard-working, dedicated and willing to put in the work. That’s why I believe some of the best products, best people, and best athletes can be Maine made. 

We need to continue to support athletes with resources, including great coaches and modern facilities. Athletes and schools need the support from fans and businesses who contribute emotionally and financially to the success of youth, high school and our minor league sport teams.

Ultimately, I think it really takes a village. I know our village here in Maine is pretty special.