Max Drexler lives in a parallel universe. As the Grand Canyon University campus where he works undergoes transformation and growth for the future, so does Max.
“I moved to Arizona from Rochester, NY about a year ago,” Max says. “I have never been out this far west.”
Grand Canyon University
GCU, in Phoenix, plans to build or update 10 facilities in two years. During that time of growth, Max plans to earn his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and land a job in sports.
“This place is blowing up quickly,” he said. “It’s a good place to be.”
AEMA Exam
Max was granted a graduate assistantship and a job at Grand Canyon University in January 2016. In June, he will take the Athletic Equipment Management Association’s certification exam. He is a candidate for Helmet Tracker’s AEMA certification exam Scholarship.
“We technically work 29 hours a week, but I am here 9 to 5 every day and on the weekends we are busy, too,” he said. His main focus is men’s soccer, women’s basketball, and men’s volleyball. He reports to Mark Wilty, Assistant Athletic Director—Equipment.
“I rely on Max to handle much of the day to day tasks that are crucial to our overall success,” Mark writes. “Recording inventory, inputting orders, handling embellishment, distributing gear, and handling team laundry are everyday duties that Max has mastered here at GCU.”
Update New York Link
Max played four years of soccer as a Spartan at Greece Olympia High School, then four years at SUNY (State University of New York) Brockport where he earned his sports management degree.
“At DIII we didn’t have an equipment staff, really. I didn’t experience it,” he said. “My goal now is to find an entry-level position in Athletics,” he says.
“I want to work in athletics, but I don’t necessarily know where yet. I like the equipment room, but I also like the business side of athletics as well.”
His studies and his work in the equipment room and on the field keeps him busy for now.
“Right now we are super busy with baseball and softball going, and with the construction, we are working with one washer and one dryer.”
“So, in the future, I will stay open to possibilities and keep grinding,” Max says. “I’ll take every opportunity I can.”