Max Appello is a freshman business major who is thinking about switching his major to education. He is new on the tennis team here at Wilkes, but he has been playing since age six. His dad is his biggest inspiration who comes to every match to support his son. This spring everyone should go out and support the tennis teams’. Max was named his county’s player of the year which is such a great accomplishment to achieve.
What is your most memorable moment while playing this sport?
My most memorable moment while playing tennis was actually just this past season when I overcame a 5-1 deficit against my own teammate and won a match in the finals of the MAC tournament this fall.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration has always been my dad. He has literally come to every match of my entire life, as well as every little league game and every sunday dinner while still working full time. I work hard to make him proud.
How long have you been playing?
I’ve been playing tennis since I was six, but only really got serious about it around 14.
Have you ever received any awards? What are they?
I was named my county’s player of the year award my senior year of high school, as well as trophies for winning various tournaments.
Are you superstitious when you’re in game mode?
I guess I’m superstitious, but I’m kind of not. It’s weird. I only take three sips of water between games so I stay hydrated but don’t get any cramps, no matter how tired I am, if I’m playing badly I switch to a different racket, and I never talk to the opponent. Like, I’m there to play tennis, not to be your friend.
What do you eat/drink before a game?
Before a match I start with a spaghetti dinner the night before and pound away at insane amounts of water all night the night before so I’m ready to sweat. I try to go to bed early but it doesn’t always work. I wake up about 3-4 hours before I play (ideally). I get up, take a shower, get some breakfast, and pound away at more water until the match.
How do you like Wilkes? What’s your favorite part of being here?
Wilkes has been really great to me. The professors are good and the people here are almost overly nice.
How is it being a new student in a new school and dealing with playing a sport?
I guess it would be pretty weird if I was just kind of a new kid in a new school, but considering I’m with a bunch of other ‘new kids’ made it easier, especially considering there are 3 other freshmen on the tennis team and the other guys have been inviting towards us so it wasn’t too bad. I make friends easily so I didn’t mind it.
What is your favorite sports icon?
My favorite sports icon is probably Rafael Nadal. And I know that’s really stereotypical for a tennis player to look up to a tennis player, but just his work ethic and his character are so admirable I really think more people from other sports could look up to him as well.
What is your biggest goal in life?
My biggest goal in life is actually pretty simple. I just want to settle down with a pretty wife with two kids and make an average salary. As weird as it sounds I’m really anxious to start a life and a family and have an average job with a comfortable lifestyle. I really just want to be happy is all and enjoy the journey along the way.
How do you like the people you met on your team? Are you close with them?
The people on my team have been really inviting like I said. They’re supportive and let all of the freshmen right into their group of friends which isn’t always the case.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In five years I see myself just living the care-free life of a 24 year old while pursuing small job opportunities that will eventually help me reach my ultimate goal of having a well-paying and comfortable job.
What’s your major and what are you looking to do with it?
I’m currently a business major but I’m considering going into education because I’ve always kind of seen myself teaching.
What are some of your lucky charms?
I really don’t have any lucky charms. I just kind of bring stuff with me to places that’ll remind me of things like notes and weird things that remind me of people or times.