BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next current student-athlete in Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation Get to Know Series is men's lacrosse student-athlete Max Towers from the class of 2021. Towers has a pair of assists and is 41-for-63 on face-offs with 24 ground balls for the Greyhounds in his two seasons.
Max Towers
Class: 2021
Major: Neuroscience
How did you choose your sport? Originally, I wanted to play tackle-football as a kid, and my parents made me try something "intermediate" in terms of contact before they allowed me to. I ended up falling in love with it and playing both from about 5th grade until sophomore year of high school, then switched to lacrosse full time.
Why did you come to Moravian College? I'd committed to Salisbury University as a senior in high school and was intending on majoring in medical lab sciences while competing for an NCAA championship. My freshman year we got all the way to the championship and ended our season as NCAA runner-up. That next fall I debated whether or not I made the right choice of school, because although I was having a blast competing, I didn't feel like I was pushing myself very hard academically. I transferred to Moravian that next semester based primarily on the neuroscience major (designed by Dr. Cecilia Fox) and the opportunity to help develop a winning culture at Moravian with Coach Carty. As the semesters have gone by, I've only felt more vindicated in my decision to come here. I haven't looked back since.
What is your major and how did you choose it? Neuroscience with a minor in philosophy. I've always been interested in the exchange of ideas and how the mind works—from both scientific and humanitarian stances. It seemed pretty clear that this was the best way to go about investigating those things.
What are your future plans? I'm applying to graduate programs as we speak, and I'm hoping to get accepted into an MS program in integrative neurosciences. After that, I'll see what the job-market looks like post-COVID and find a niche. I would love to teach or be a professor—maybe even coach—at some point, but I first want to contribute to the field either in the lab and/or publishing papers.
What is your favorite place on campus? Sally is pretty great; I spend a lot of time studying there. It also helps that there's good sandwiches and coffee downstairs on the first floor.
What activities/organizations at Moravian College have you been active in as a student-athlete? I've been part of the philosophy In-Focus Fellowship group for the last year or so now, and that has been a true pleasure. A lot of hard working and brilliant people make that possible, and there are some great ideas and presentations that have come out of it. I was honored to be given the opportunity to join and present last spring.
What is your most memorable moment at Moravian? The overtime win against Kean College in 2019. Dom hit the game winner and Jimmy lost a tooth in the celebration. Everyone was excited, it was a hard-fought team win.
Do you have any pre-event rituals or superstitions? I listen to a specific Eric Thomas speech right before going out. It helps me get dialed in and amped up.
What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? This is a great school with multiple trending athletic programs. Take it from someone who left a big school with a lot of athletic hardware (trophies, rings, etc.) If you don't want to compromise either your athletic or academic careers, then this is the spot to be. No question. Especially if you're interested in the sciences.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given? Don't be afraid to be great.
Who are your role models/most influential people? I'm lucky to have had a bunch of great coaches over the years, and I really can't thank any one of them more than the other: Coach Gurenlian, Coach Mattes, Coach Delano, Coach Block, Coach Shane, Coach Carty, Coach Thomas, Coach Berkman, and Coach Long. I also really look up to my dad as someone who consistently works his tail off day-in and day-out and is thus able to provide for his family. He embodies professionalism and grit, and that's something I really respect. All of these people and more encourage me to be the best version of myself on and especially off the field.
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? Aristotle, Kurt Vonnegut, and Benjamin Franklin
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I can't smell (not COVID-related). Like ever. I guess in that sense you could call me a trendsetter, haha.
Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – Red
Favorite Food – Tacos
Favorite Restaurant – Around here, either Mama Nina's or Fiamma Italian Grill.
Favorite Movie – Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Favorite TV Show – Avatar: The Last Airbender
Favorite Musical Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Favorite Athlete – Greg Gurenlian
Favorite Pro Team – Buffalo Bills (#Billsmafia)
Hobbies – I read bunch, I write occasionally, and if I really have a decent chunk of time I'll start/work on an art project. I originally almost went to college for medical illustration.
Most Prized Possession – My books, I guess. I don't really have one particular thing.
Ideal Travel Destination – Somewhere in the mountains or by a lake…maybe both.
Your Spirit Animal – Cuttlefish (S. officinalis)
Superpower you'd Like to Have – Flying would be cool, but I wouldn't trust myself to use it covertly. Maybe super strength or speed would be easier to hide.
