In this week's edition of Behind the Student-Athlete, we get the chance to meet men's soccer team captain, Garrett Maxwell (Enfield, C.T./ Suffield HS). Garrett is currently in his junior year and is majoring in Canine Training and Management.

In his first two years, Maxwell helped men's soccer reach their only two conference playoff appearances in program history. Halfway through his freshman year, he stepped up and converted from a field player to a goalkeeper for the Fighting Tigers after the team had suffered several injuries. As their goalkeeper, he led the Tigers to the conference playoffs for the first time in program history and helped his team beat Keuka College in a penalty kicks shootout in the first round. When the season was all said and done, he finished the year playing as a: goalkeeper, center back, outside back, outside midfielder, center midfielder and winger.

In his sophomore year, Maxwell was a regular name in the lineup and was one of only five players that played in all 20 games. He helped the team finish fourth in the conference overall and make their second consecutive conference playoff appearance.



Get to know Garrett Maxwell!


When did you start playing soccer?
I was about 6 years old when I joined my first club team.

Could you tell us a little bit about where you are from?
I grew up in Enfield, Connecticut, but I went to school a town over in Suffield, Connecticut.

What's your major and why did you choose that major?
I am a canine training and management major; I chose it to eventually become a police canine officer.

Favorite class you've taken at Cobleskill?
My favorite class was definitely my Canine Training class. You are given a dog with little to no training and have to train it in basic obedience.

Why did you pick Cobleskill?
I picked Cobleskill because of the hands-on nature of our classes and in part due to our head soccer coach Joe Machado. He definitely sold me on the campus.

What's your favorite memory as a Fighting Tiger?
My favorite memory by far is beating Keuka on penalties in the conference quarter finals. Keuka is a big rival of ours and it put us into our first conference final four.

Favorite place to eat in Cobleskill?
I always enjoyed going to Coby's to go get a burger and get off campus for a little.

Who has been the most influential coach in your athletic journey?
I'd have to say my hometown club coach. He gave me the freedom to play my role as a defensive playmaker, which definitely boosted my confidence and helped me build myself into the player I am today.

Who's the funniest teammate you've been around?
My funniest teammate has to be Matt Blumer. No matter what the situation is he always has a joke to tell. Whether the team needs their spirits lifted or we need to wake up at a 7:00 a.m. practice, Blumer has us covered.

Favorite soccer match you've played in during your career?
My favorite soccer match would be against Penn State Harrisburg my sophomore year. We did not let the stats and standings scare us and we beat them on their senior night. We had just lost to Abington the day before and we came back swinging the next day and broke their perfect season.

Favorite professional sports team?
My favorite professional team is the Boston Bruins.

In a world where money doesn't exist, what's your dream job?
My dream job would probably be a hunting guide. I love hunting and being outside.

Favorite meal?
Mac and cheese, it's a very simple meal but always makes me happy.

Who's been your biggest role model in your life?
My biggest role model in my life is my older brother Andrew. No matter what happened he always had a positive attitude. He has been my biggest supporter in both my academic and athletic careers, while still being a full-time student himself.

If you had to pick one…..Gatorade, water or Body Armor? 
That's a tough one between Gatorade and Body Armor, but Gatorade wins out.

Could you name three things on your bucket list?
Winning a conference championship and going to the NCAA Tournament
Travel to see a Chelsea game in London
Go hunting in Alaska

The Zombie Apocalypse is coming. Who are 3 people you want on your team?
My friends and teammates Alex Hitchcock, Matt Blumer and Jake Bunker. With that group, living off the grid would not only be easy, but very entertaining.

Which season of the year is your favorite?
My favorite season is fall. I love the cold and fall means soccer and hunting season along with a lot of other outdoor activities