Senior spotlight: Max Sorenson's final prep soccer year has been strongest one
WAUSAU - Max Sorenson played centerback last year in his junior season in part to help a Wausau East boys soccer team which was short on experience on the defensive end of the field.
That season was cut short midway through the year with a hip injury, but he entered this fall healthy and moved back up front with for the Lumberjacks. The results have followed.
The forward/midfielder had 28 goals and nine assists during the regular season for the Lumberjacks, who finished fifth in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. Sorenson had 17 goals in conference play for an East squad which is seeded second in Division 2 for the WIAA postseason.
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Sorenson, who has played varsity for East since his sophomore season, recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about the Lumberjacks season, his memorable sports moment and some of his future plans, among other subjects.
Talk about the start of the postseason and how much different the game atmosphere is.
It's win-or-go-home now. All the (team) improving and stuff like that is done now. You just have to go out and play hard and be the best team that you can be.
A second seed for East in Division 2. What does that mean to the team?
I think that is the highest seed we have gotten since we moved into (Division 2). Our first two games will be at home if we win (Thursday's playoff opener against Merrill) and it is always nice to play at home.
What has been your most memorable sports moment?
It was two summers ago, our club team (Wausau City FC) won the Mountain Bay Cup on (penalty kicks). The were a number of guys from (East) on the team and from (Wausau) West as well.
Are there certain teammates you might especially miss after this season?
Pretty much all of the seniors. We have played together on the same teams since we were about 10, and we are all pretty good friends.
How have you grown as a player during your soccer career at East?
Confidence. The first year (on varsity) I was just really not confident at all and didn't play well because of that.
You are one of four captains for East. Talk about your style as a leader.
I am not as loud as the other guys as a captain, I try and lead by example. We have been good as captains (as a group). It's a good mix of quiet guys and we have good underclassmen that follow us and listen well. They don't argue for the most part.
What is one thing outside of soccer people might not know about you?
I am an artist, too. I really like painting and drawing.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Emma Watson.
Where is your dream vacation?
Spain. I have been to Europe before and I really just like the culture.
What is your dream career?
A marine biologist.
FAVORITES
Sport: Soccer, but i like to watch college basketball, too.
Soccer club team: Manchester City.
Musical group or artist: Chance the Rapper or Childish Gambino.
Movie: "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."