Episode 3, Part 1, Season 1: Fueling the Fire Within – Max Anderson on Mindset, Growth & Breakthroughs

In this powerful episode of The Royal Vision Podcast, we sit down with Max Anderson to uncover the mindset, resilience, and strategies that fuel high performance. Max shares his journey of overcoming self-doubt, breaking through mental barriers, and developing the discipline needed to excel at the highest level.

Throughout the conversation, Max dives deep into the habits and thought patterns that separate top achievers from the rest. He reveals how he stays locked in on his goals, adapts to challenges, and continuously levels up in both his sport and personal growth. His insights on self-mastery, mental toughness, and staying focused under pressure are game-changers for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to elevate their life.

If you're ready to push past your limits, strengthen your mindset, and take control of your future, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and discover how to ignite the fire within!

Max Anderson
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Transcript

Coach Matthew: 0:00

Welcome to the Kingdom Guys. This is episode three of Royal Vision Podcast. It is a two part series. This is part one, so stay tuned for that interview with Max Anderson. All right. Welcome to the Kingdom Guys. This is episode three of Royal Vision Podcast. I'm your host, coach Matthew got a very special guest tonight. I. He plays football and basketball. He's a quarterback in football. He, he's a forward slash guard basketball. He's from Charlestown, West Virginia. He's played a high level of football and basketball for almost 13 years. He's won MVP awards in the state of West Virginia. He's been into multiple championship games for both football and basketball. He's a two time. First Team Allstate player and second team Allstate Utility his sophomore year. He's a four year captain for both football and basketball and honor and won Honorable Mention Allstate at the state basketball tournament last year. He'll be attending WVU to play football for the next four to five years, so give it up for Max Anderson. Welcome. Welcome sir. Appreciate it. Appreciate it. Alright, cool. See? All right, max. Glad to have you on here. How you been, man? Yes, yes

Max Anderson: 1:10

sir. I've been doing good. That's good. Appreciate

Coach Matthew: 1:11

you having me. Yeah, of course. Kind of just, you play basketball, you play football. What drew you to those sports from a young age?

, Max Anderson: 1:19

I mean, I just grew up around it. Watching my brother play, watching my dad always. I used to watch my dad go play, , bass at Harpers Ferry when we used to, , live over there too for a little bit. But, , I just grew up around him, you know. And all my friends did it. So, you know, it was just, you know, I grew up and just got into it just with them,, when I got playing and I just fell in love with it.

Coach Matthew: 1:38

Yeah. So obviously, , with your commit to football, football's definitely your favorite sport. When did you realize football was your favorite over the two?

Max Anderson: 1:47

Since I, I mean, when I realized, football was my favorite sport when I was a young kid. I played, I mean, I played in Pop Warner leagues with,. Some really high level leagues You know, traveling the country, playing football. I mean, I, , when I was younger, I, I fell in love with it. So, I mean, when I was younger, I've always loved football, always loved basketball the same. But, you know, I really figured out I loved football more in high school. Getting into my, freshman in the eighth grade year, that's when I really stuck out. I knew I had an opportunity, you know, to become a really good player.

, Coach Matthew: 2:13

that's good. And so. Yeah. So what were some of the defining moments early in your career starting?'cause you've been playing for 13 years mm-hmm. That kind of shaped your mindset.

, Max Anderson: 2:22

I would say, I would probably say, , my sophomore year for real, , my sophomore year for real is when I really knew, , football was probably gonna be what I'm gonna go play in college. So just, you know, , having the great coaches around me that helped me, you know, become the player I am and. You know, I always loved basketball too, but, , you know, football, my coaches and just the way I was playing at a high level for football, I just knew that, , football was gonna be what I was gonna take into college.

Coach Matthew: 2:46

Yeah. Now for,, your, have you only had Coach law as your football coach or was it No,

Max Anderson: 2:51

actually,, coach Sims, , coach Sims was my head coach at first., I had Coach Sims my freshman year, and I think going into my,, sophomore year is when, , or. I had Coach Sims my freshman and sophomore year, but coach law, coach law and all those new coaches came up, , with Coach Sims my freshman year. And then, my coming into my junior year Coach Sims was coaching in the summer and then he, , he left and resigned. So yeah., that's when that Coach James happened my junior year.

Coach Matthew: 3:17

So what is something that you noticed, what was probably the biggest difference between those two coaches? You know, 'cause having one for two years and next one for, . The last two years of your career. I mean,

Max Anderson: 3:27

they were, they were both really good coaches, but, , I mean, coach law, he, he was, he was really passionate. He was really passionate about really wanting to, you know, change the school, not only just for the football, but change the school just to become a better person. So I think Coach Law was really, really, really passionate about what he was doing and really wanted to, you know, be the difference, maker in Spring Mills and really wanted to, you know., change the ways that, you know, we've been, 'cause he's been through, he was here since our freshman year and just the way, you know, we evolved since, my freshman year coming into my, coming into to now, you know, if we come a long way. And he was a big part of that.

Coach Matthew: 4:02

And with Spring Mills being the newest high school in the area, I think it's less than less than 13 years old. How does it feel to kind of, in such a short amount of time, be one of those. Top schools, what most well-known schools in the state of West Virginia.

Max Anderson: 4:18

I mean, it's great. I mean, it takes a lot of hard work and you know, we've, really worked hard to get where the school is now and where what we've become. And, you know, coming into my freshman year, you know, we'd go travel and play these, , like Wheeling parks, Morgan Towns. They didn't even know Spring Mills was a high school. Yeah. Which is crazy. But, , you know, the way the, just the how far we've come and, you know, what we've done to make that happen. I mean, it takes a lot, it's a lot of hard work and, you, , we've put it in and done it and. You know, now people, more people know about Spring Mill and know what we we're capable of.

Coach Matthew: 4:45

Yeah. And so with you growing up, playing basketball, growing up, playing football, and you have a younger brother, I know , with brothers, that can be, sometimes a little bit of competition can be a , lot of fun. So kind of explain your upbringing and how that formed, or the way you approach competition.

Max Anderson: 5:01

I mean, you know, I love competing. You know, I, I don't want anybody to outwork me. I wanna always outwork someone. So. You know, it's just the way of the game. I mean, if you let someone outwork you, you're gonna lose your spot. So, I mean, competing is really important in sports and, you know, I, I'm gonna come out and give it my all every day. Mm-hmm. So I don't want no one coming outworking me.'cause if, if that happens, then that's how you lose your spot and go down the depth chart. So,, I always want to, you know, bring, I always wanna bring, you know, that grit, that hard work, the determination just to, you know,, keep my spot and, always impact the game and bring winning plays to the game.

Coach Matthew: 5:32

Yeah., but getting a chance to play with your brother, especially these last three years, 'cause you are, you're older than him, but also getting to play with him in the state championship game. Kind of explain that feeling, getting to play with your brother.

Max Anderson: 5:43

Oh, yeah. I mean, it's super special. You know, not, many people get to, you know, play with their, their brothers in, sports and especially growing up in high school. Mm-hmm. So, I mean, , it's a very special moment. You know, I try to, you know, seize them every, every now and then that, you know. I get, I'm, I'm getting the opportunity, you know, play these games with my brother and now that I'm a senior, I'm about to graduate. This about be my last moments playing with him. So, you know, really season those moments, you know. And enjoying them. You know, having fun together, having fun out there on the court, , it's really special and I'm, I'm really grateful that I get this opportunity to be able to play with my

Coach Matthew: 6:10

brother. And so, kind of like, uh, how is your relationship with your brother kind of explain, I know you're obviously, you're, you're a role model to him, , and you want to. Shape him into like a good young man, you know, an all star legendary player. So kind of explain your role towards him. Oh, me

Max Anderson: 6:26

and Zay are really competitive against each other, you know, yeah. I don't ever wanna lose his, as Xavier never wants to lose me. I, he doesn't wanna be worse than me and I don't wanna be worse than him. So, I mean, we really do a good job of, you know, pushing each other and being competitive.'cause, you know, we don't like losing each other. So, I mean, , you know, just having that, you know, guy right next to you, especially your brother, just to be able to always push you and always. Make you want to be better and always because you never want to, lose to him. But, , it's just, it's just awesome and grateful, you know, that we get to, , battle against each other all the time, growing up in practice and in games and in the games, you know, we get to play together and, and compete against other guys. Yeah. So it's always awesome to,, you know, play together and then work together and win together. So it's awesome.

Coach Matthew: 7:02

Yeah. And I know that now he's a little bit taller than you, but how long did it take before he was able to beat you?

, Max Anderson: 7:10

I mean, it took a while., I mean, Zay, I think Zay just started and like, kind of being able to compete with me. But,, like Zay is, I mean, Zay had a huge growth spurt growing up in middle school 'cause Yeah., that's when Zay started to become a little bit more tall than me was in middle school. And then, you know, when he got out to high school, he shot up, so. Mm-hmm. I mean, Zay, Zay Hass gotten a lot, you know, a lot taller. And then as he was growing and getting taller, , he started becoming more coordinated in his height. Yeah. And athletic 'cause Zay is, Zay is athletic for his height. But, , I mean, , zays come a long way, so I'm proud of him. For real.

Coach Matthew: 7:42

And so, in your early stages of playing football, what were kind of some of the first challenges even in basketball that you started to go through?, Max Anderson: I mean, for, for up in high school or getting,, acclimated in high school, , my freshman year, I had a lot of, you know, confidence issues. You know, you not, not being, you know, not having confidence and belief in myself to, you know. Shoot the ball or make the right play. Always thinking too much. You know, , trying to make plays for others. But I always thought too much to make too much plays for others instead of, you know, when , I have the opportunity to go score to make that myself. I, but so my freshman year, I mean, I had a really, really tough time with my confidence and stuff. Mm-hmm. But, uh, you know, getting put in the work in, put in the work in, you know, I got a little better with it, but, you know, I had a lot of confidence issues. I, I'd say that that was my problem. My freshman year in co high school I got And so were you the starting quarterback your freshman year as well?

Max Anderson: 8:36

Yeah. Yeah. I, , so, , my freshman year,, we, I wasn't starting at first., I was actually, you know, I played a little bit more defense and then, , I played like spot minutes here, quarterback. But, , Jamir Hunter was actually our quarterback and, , Bernard Newman was our, quarterback for, , spring Mills. And then, . We did a lot of moving around., 'cause we just lost like our Allstate player, Keon, , Keon, Patmore Johnson was a, was which was a really, we had a really talented quarterback that we had at Springfield before, yeah, before my time. But, , yeah, so we had Jamir Hunter and , Bernard Newman and then, you know, we had some injuries and, just some moving around. And then next thing you know,, I'm starting, I'm starting quarterback against Martinsburg. So. You know, I, I mean, I didn't start off the rip, but you know, I came in and, you know, came in, got, I guess what my coaches used to say. They threw me into the fire. So, yeah. Yeah, I would say I, yeah, I started, you know, Martinsburg game, so it was like week six, I'm pretty sure. Okay. So Midseason,

Coach Matthew: 9:27

you

Max Anderson: 9:28

know, so,

Coach Matthew: 9:29

so with that being your first game starting quarterback,, you're a freshman in high school, you're starting your very first game against probably one of the best schools in the tri-state area. Yeah. What's kind of going through your mind at that moment?

Max Anderson: 9:41

I mean, . I've, I mean, I always, you know, I always, I always had belief in myself, like going into, going into my freshman year, I've always had some type of different confidence, you know, playing football always. I always knew I was a talented player. Always knew I was, you know, I belonged. So I would just say like, going into that game, , I was a little nervous 'cause knowing one Martinsburg, they were number one team in the state. I'm pretty sure they won the state championship that year and they had, , Hudson probably. Hudson Clement. That was the year, that was the year they had Hudson Clement. Yeah, I'm pretty sure. So, , yeah, going against the number one team in the state, you know, I was nervous and I, , obviously wanted to, you know, shock the world and make people, know about me and know what I can do. But, , I threw a touchdown in that game. That's what I mean, that's at least took something outta that game. Yeah. But,, they blew us out. But, you know, being able to, you know, come in and compete Yeah. For no matter, for sure, no matter what. You know, being able to come out and compete in a, in a huge game, again, going against the number one team in the state was really big and something I really took outta that game for real. So.

Coach Matthew: 10:31

Okay. And , so from that game throughout the, I'm guessing you started the rest of the season then at that point from weeks and so on. So how do you feel like you developed from that moment, starting against Martinsburg to the end of the season?

, Max Anderson: 10:44

I mean, I develop, I mean, I developed a lot, you know, learn, just learning a little bit more about the game every day.. I didn't, I didn't really,, back in my freshman year, I didn't, you know, really know much about reading defenses and stuff like that. I wasn't really good with that, but I could, I had an arm. So, yeah, I mean, you know, if, , I had a guy open that, , you know, we ran a play for, and I, I could, I could get the ball there. I just wasn't, I wasn't really acclimated with just, you know. Being able to throw the ball in the right spot, know where to go pre-snap and , stuff like that. But, , I had an arm, so I knew I was talented enough and good enough to, you know, make some plays. And I was always athletic enough to run. So, , you know, I, I made plays here and there, but,, you know, really what I took out,, from my freshman year was that, I had an arm. Mm-hmm. And I was capable of, you know, being able to,, read pre-snap and do stuff like that. That's, that was the main thing, I had to work on., looking back at it from, to my freshman year,

Coach Matthew: 11:34

ab so speaking of like your arm, my biggest thing with football is like, I've never been able to throw a football properly. So like, what is like the technique to, because I know you kind of have to like, like your hand almost hasn't finished like that. Yeah. So what's the trick to that?

Max Anderson: 11:46

I mean, really, , really to be able to throw a football, , it's mainly with your legs. Okay. It starts from bottom and then comes all the way up. So, I mean, you gotta have good footwork, , down with your legs. Being able to rotate your hips, being able to, , transform your arm, coming,, using your torque within your hips and then coming, finishing through with your arm. But I mean, , really for me, I mean, I've always,, playing football growing up. I mean, I've just always been able to, you know, I've always watched and I've, I've been a quarterback when I was little league, but it was more, you know, catch and run. But, ,, for, I mean, being a quarterback, it just, you know, gotta keep your arm 90 degree angle and then just finish through. With your hips and your hips have to lead the way. You have to, you have to be able to transition your hips into your arms and then that tor creates the power. So, okay,

Coach Matthew: 12:27

so it all starts with like, kind of like hitting the baseball. It's all, it's, yeah,

Max Anderson: 12:29

essentially it is like hitting the baseball. That's exactly what it is. Okay. But just not swinging it. Bat you're throwing a football, so

Coach Matthew: 12:35

I gotcha. Yeah. That in case I'm gonna try and throw football. I'll definitely keep that in mind. Yeah. Because that's one thing I've always struggled with. So. You said, you've been playing quarterback your entire life? Pretty much, yeah.

Max Anderson: 12:45

So when I was a little kid, I was a quarterback, but , it was more of like quarterback run, so it was more like that. But, yeah, I used to, that's, that's when I played for my Pop Warner League. And then, , when I played in, , the youth leagues around here, I played for J-C-Y-F-L up in Jefferson County and played for the Rams. And,, I was a wide receiver, HVAC running back., and then when I moved, moved up here up in middle school,. I played for the, , junior a, , I was more of a tie. I was a tight in 'cause I was a little bit bigger'cause I, , Fortnite and,, that, that stuff happened. The Covid Yeah. Always inside playing the game. So I was a little chubby middle school kid, but,, yeah, I was a, I was a tight in and still played some wide receiver and here and there and stuff like that. But then when I got to eighth grade, you know, my dad was in my ear about, you know. Switching the quarterback.'cause you know, the ball. I mean, he was telling me, you know, the ball's always in your hand. You're always gonna have the opportunity to make plays. And he thought,, he really thought I could be, you know, capable of, you know, being a dog there. So , he gave me the idea to move the quarterback. And then, , my eighth grade year, , we had a practice and our freshman coach, , coach McIntyre. Was like, , who can throw the ball? So, , I come out there and I'm, I'm really kind of second guessing myself. Yeah. Like, do I really wanna be a quarterback? Do I really wanna do this? And my friend Logan Bush is like, max can, max can. And then, , yeah. Ever since then, you know, I threw the ball. He was like, all right, well we got our quarterback. And ever since then, you know, I never looked back. And, , that's when I became a quarterback.

Coach Matthew: 14:07

So. That's cool. So it's almost like. It was like meant to be almost. Yeah. Like it's crazy, but, and probably in that moment you're , like, shut up Logan. But like it ended up working out for you pretty well. Yeah.'cause I mean, now you're going to play football in West Virginia. Yeah. It is crazy. So how do, how do you feel like your personal experience has outside of sports have shaped I. The way you compete or would shape an athlete's way that they compete?

Max Anderson: 14:27

I mean like,, main,, when I got to high school, like, , it was Coach Sam was always, you know, he always instilled, he instilled in me to, you know, work hard.'cause if I'm, , 'cause we were all young and, you know, people didn't think we were gonna be really, or that good at basketball.

Coach Matthew: 14:42

Yeah.

Max Anderson: 14:42

And, but we were actually not bad. You know, we had a talented group. We grew up together, played together., but, you know, coach sample said like, if we're not gonna be, you know, if we're not gonna be that good talent wise., we gotta be scrappy, we gotta be dogs, we gotta, you know, we gotta grind, we gotta work hard. So I think, going in like my freshman year in, , going into basketball, I think coach samples did a really good job of. Instilling that into me of being, working hard, really competing really. Mm-hmm. You know, being a dog, really being scrappy, really locking in on defense, you know?, 'cause , playing against seniors as a freshman. Yeah., you gotta be, you gotta work hard, you gotta be, you gotta do all the little things, right?'cause those kids are way older than you, more experienced than you. And, you know,, they're probably more, a little bit more talented than you. Talented you or talented than you. But , so I mean, yeah. I think coach Samples really did a, a great job of instilling that enemy.

Coach Matthew: 15:30

Yeah.'cause I just, I think about your freshman year, that's my brother's junior year at that point. Hedges Field's got from basketball, they got Cam Oaks, they have um, Jackson Christian Ball, duke. And then you got on the Martinsburg side, you've got, they got Avon Blackwood, they have Stefan Barkley. Yeah. Like, uh, muscle Men's got Jordan Holmes.

Max Anderson: 15:49

Yeah. Really to inside. So, so.

Coach Matthew: 15:50

You guys are in a really packed PAC and PAC's normally pretty stacked. Yeah.

Max Anderson: 15:54

That, that, that year, that year was a really talented, like overall pec. And then you look at Jefferson. Yeah, they got Jamari Jenkins, they got Cam,, cam, , what's his last name? Gladney., they got Gladney, they got the, , tall cam kid.

Coach Matthew: 16:07

Oh, cam, cam Johnson. Cam, cam Johnson, Kim Johnson.

Max Anderson: 16:09

Yeah. They got, , they got him. They got, . They got that Bryson Fleming, like they got all those talented kids and Oh, , , what's his name? Will, will both brothers like, I mean, the epac was super talented and you know., me, coming into my freshman year, , I'm guarding all those talented kids. I'm guarding, , I'm guarding Jordan Holmes. I'm guarding Cam Wilkes. So those kids were all really talented at basketball and, , older than me, more experienced than me. And, , you know, you gotta be scrappy and be a dog. And I, and I think I did a,, pretty good job playing defense on them.'cause I was always going to go, I was always on the best player denying the best player., making sure they didn't score. And , you know, we, once we, we knocked off some, , big games. I mean, we beat Ville twice in the regular season, but they beat us in the sectional. Yeah., I think we split with Muscle Men and, , Martinsburg, we split with Martinsburg, I'm pretty sure. But like, those were really talented teams and, you know, being able to pull off those games as freshmen, it was, it was, it was really special and really fun. You know, had a really good time doing that. But, , yeah, I mean it was a really crazy year. Really talented, , talented EPAC year for sure.

Coach Matthew: 17:04

So feeling like, , 'cause I feel like in that moment. I'd probably feel like an underdog. I'm a freshman. I'm playing against a bunch of juniors, seniors. What kind of, what's your mentality that kind of just pushed you to compete?, I mean, I,

Max Anderson: 17:17

I, I don't like losing and I, yeah. And , the main thing that always got me to really compete was, was the fact that, you know, I. , people always thought about Spring Mills. They always like, oh, spring Mill ain't this, spring Mills ain't good. Yeah. Spring Mills ain't that. And that always just like, I hated to hear that. I hated that. Yeah. So, you know, I never wanted to lose, I never wanted to lose in none of these schools.'cause I always wanted to prove them what we are and who we are as people and who we are and what Spring Mills is as a school.'cause, I didn't like how people always thought, you know, we were the trash school. The trash area, and no, don't go to Spring mills, da, da, da. Yeah. That I hated, I hated that. So that always pushed me and made me work hard to, you know, put, put us on the map and put, make people know that, you know, we ain't no pushover. Like, yeah. So that's, that's, that's what made me want to, you know, compete and, you know, win and stuff like that. And

Coach Matthew: 18:02

that's something that I remembered.'cause growing up I. I mean, we always talk bad about, oh yeah, you guys are the, the, the ugly stepchild. Like you came 'cause I went to hedges. Yeah. So you guys came outta hedges, you know, you the ugly stepchild don't belong. Y'all are trash. And then Yes sir. Just recently, the last couple years you guys just, everybody just starts, gravitating towards there. And you guys have just transformed the school. And we talked about it on the live., last night. Just how, like, the culture there, it's just, it's unlike any other school I've ever been to., , it's a great culture mm-hmm. To be a part of, like, so inclusive, so amazing. And I, I love that. That's, that's a great part about the school.

Max Anderson: 18:39

Yeah. And, and , like I was saying yesterday too, like. You know, US players, us coaches, us, the teachers in the building, like everyone, like from the principals, the students. Like that's what we've all done a good job to like really change the narrative and, you know, make, make that place, you know, somewhere you want to, you wanna look forward to going to. So I think, , everyone in that building just does such a great job of, you know. Doing the right things and trying to make that place a better place and make it like a home. Yeah. Because that's, I mean, that's, that's the biggest thing, , that we're, I think that they're trying to do and we're all trying to do is make that place a home. Make some, yeah. Make it, make it a place where you look forward to going to and not be like, oh, I gotta go here. You know what I'm saying? So, yeah, I think that's what we do a really good job of,

Coach Matthew: 19:21

and it's almost, I just kinda had this thought, like, it's almost like all of that negativity on the outside, it all, it pretty much. Brought you guys together. Yeah. With all that negativity going on, it just calls you to come together stronger. Yeah. To build yourself up.'cause at the end of the day, your guys are a school, and the school was really, it's more like a family almost. Yeah. And,, Max Anderson: all of us, like uh, football into basketball. Like, we all, like, we all grew up playing together, like dang near our whole lives. So it's just like, . Just that us building that chemistry over the years, us, , spending at each other's houses. Hanging out. Yeah, working out together. You know, like, when moments get hard and you know, you have your friend behind you that you know is gonna push you and gonna, , get you better. It always helps and it's always, you know, awesome to, be able to accomplish good things with your friends and family that you grew up for. So grew up with for so long. So it, it is something really special. So and so from, so what lessons. From growing up with your brothers, with, you know, not just on the cord, but like also your,. You're a fraternal brother as like that's helped you succeed in both sports and in life? Because you were pretty successful in the classroom as well.

Max Anderson: 20:32

Yeah., I mean, you know,, going through like hard moments in games, being like losing and, you know what I'm saying? Being down and,, 'cause you know, at first, you know, we weren't really winning. Like my freshman year, we weren't really winning team. You, you know? Mm-hmm. Come, coming into my senior year, we were in the state championship. Yeah. So being, being in those low moments together and you know, really battling through those tough times and battling through, you know, the moments we weren't really doing the best that we thought we could. You know, going through all of that. And then, when we got older and more stronger and bigger and tougher and stuff like that, you know, growing up and getting, you know, getting bigger and stuff like that, you know, getting. Getting up to those mo those big moments in the semi-final game state championship game. Yeah. Even we had our moments, you know, that we could've pulled it off, but like, , you know, going through all those, , tough times back when we were younger into now, it just helped, it helped us become, you know, just dogs essentially, just so yeah. I mean, , it really is awesome. And it is special. So, I mean, I'm just happy to be, be able to, you know, do all this stuff with the people I've grown up with.'cause it is, it is really something awesome and special.

Coach Matthew: 21:29

And I don't know if you've ever heard of Tony Robbins, if you haven't, look him up. He's, he's very inspirational. He talks about tough times, build tough people. Mm-hmm. Weak times build weak people. Mm-hmm. So, I'm not saying that, I guess what I'm saying is you guys have gone through tough times. You guys have faced adversity and that's only made you guys stronger. Yeah. Genuinely. Mm-hmm. So with that, how do you feel like that's helped you develop a strong mental game, and why do you feel like a strong mental game is so important?, Max Anderson: I mean, going, that, building that strong mental, , brain is just from the adversity, you know, going through those tough times like we were just talking about. But, , what was the second part of that question again? Why do you feel like it's so important?

Max Anderson: 22:13

But,, yeah, I mean, it's, it's really important because not only. Does that make you persevere through those hard games where you know you're close and you know you're tired. Mm-hmm. But you know, , it helps build, that confidence in you that, you know,, you got it and you still gotta keep working hard and you still gotta battle through it. And, you know, finishing it, you know, being able to, you know, finish, finish it when you're tired, being able to, you know, complete whatever. You know what I'm saying? So I think that, being, being able to, . You know, really,, build that mental game is, I mean, really it's really good and it's gonna help you. So you be gotta be able to do it to be able to accomplish big things in life. So

Coach Matthew: 22:47

That's true. And so what kind of strategies help you stay focused and remain confident under pressure?'cause I know there's been times where you either down by five or,, it's close game and. So, what strategies do you feel like you've used,

Max Anderson: 23:00

I your strategies is, , to, you know, help you win through those tough games? I mean, it is preparation. I really think preparation's really important.'cause being able to know what teams are gonna do in certain situations are gonna really help you, you know, be ready for what's gonna happen or be ready for what's gonna come, which is gonna help you,. Be able to stop them or being able to execute at a high level. Mm-hmm. So, I mean, I, I really take my preparation really serious. And before games, you know, knowing the scouting report. Yeah. You know, knowing, knowing what,, on football, knowing what teams do, what teams are gonna do to me, and knowing where I need to go with the ball, where I need to run with the ball. Where if this, if this guy's a slower guy than me and he's crashing inside, I can pull in and get out, down the sidelines. So, you know, really being prepared is, I think, really important. And it helps you, you know, when you get to those tough times and games, be ready and executing. Mm-hmm. So, yeah, I would say my preparation for real.

Coach Matthew: 23:51

So kinda walk me through your preparation routine. Obviously that would probably include film, maybe,, studying,, going to other games. So kind of walk me through that.

, Max Anderson: 23:58

for me, like for football,, I mean, I'm watching film every day just seeing what, , 'cause I, I mean, even on offense and defense, you know, watching film every day for offense, like especially, , seeing what the, their defenses are gonna do. Seeing. Finding the weak points in their defense to see where are, where I like to go. Mm-hmm. Alright. And then looking at matchups. All right. Like if they got this little corner on Zay, like, all right, I'm obviously gonna go up top. Yeah.'cause , Zay is Zay six, seven. Yeah. Got the advantage right there. But, , also knowing how my, what, , what my players and what my teammates are good at. You know, to see what they got on advantage on these other, on the other defense. And then going to the defensive side of the ball, you know, really studying film, seeing what teams like to do in different situations, what they like to do on first down, what they like to do on second down, when they line up in this formation, what they like to do. And just being able to really stop it and execute. And, , yeah. So my prep, I take the preparation part., really serious. And I mean, it helps, it really helps to know you'll just, you're just ultimately gonna be ready for whatever's coming your way.'cause you know, and you studied and you worked to make sure that you know, what they're gonna do and what you're gonna do to stop it. So, yeah,

Coach Matthew: 25:01

and I think the great part about that too is that. If you do it enough, there's sometimes you show up out there and you know how to play run the other team's plays better than their own players do.

Max Anderson: 25:11

Yes. And and that's that, and that's, that's the really important part.'cause that's what made, like, that's what made Tom Brady so great. Yeah. Like he, he knows your defense more than, you know, your defense and some, and some aspects like Yeah, it's crazy.'cause like he knows, where he's going with the ball. Pre-snap.'cause he knows every, part of your defense, he knows Yeah. Exactly what you're gonna do, no matter if you're disguising it or not. Like once he sees that safety drop in the middle, he's thinking Cover three, cover one man, whatever. And he knows where he's going with the ball.'cause he knows all the plays. Yeah. And knows where everyone's supposed to be. So like knowing, studying and all that other stuff, I mean it really helps you. It really, yeah. Helps you dominate in a game and be re be ready to execute in any situation. So, I mean like, yeah. So,

Coach Matthew: 25:49

and speaking of Brady,, that kind of reminded me of LeBron.'cause LeBron is the same exact way. Yeah. I remember seeing this video where he's on the court with, I think it was Tristan Thompson. Yeah. And he's talking to,, the other team's player. He is like, no, no, you're supposed to be here. And then like his teammate's like, like what? Like it's nuts. Yeah. But I, that was one thing I was always grateful for about having coaches that tried so hard to, you know, hope you create a scouting rapport. Yeah. Now, you were talking about your uncle, , yesterday and watching film with him. So what do you feel like you've learned from him, I

Max Anderson: 26:21

mean, , he's, he's really helped me teach me the ins and out of the game, like right now. This

Coach Matthew: 26:26

episode of Royal Vision Podcast is sponsored by Trophies Plus here in Martinsburg, West Virginia, where you can get your embroidered needs. They have service awards, trophies, and also sublimated mugs. So if you're looking for anything embroidered, anything, to celebrate a special occasion, go to Trophies Plus here in Martinsburg, West Virginia to go get those.

Max Anderson: 26:45

Right now, I mean, we've been going through a lot of just like breaking down , what linemen do.'cause you know, being a quarterback, you gotta know everything. You gotta be able to, you know, switch up calls. You gotta be able to audible, you gotta be able to 'cause defense. You, 'cause your coaches can only do so much calling a play. Yeah. But if they give you a different look, you gotta be able to switch the play to what you like from what they do. So like, if they're running,, if a team's running like a., forefront, you know, usually like inside zone or stuff like that, but if they switch it up and do a different look, you're not gonna wanna run inside zone. So if they, if they're in like a three, three stack, you know, you like count or you like stuff like that. But my uncle has barely been, you know, helping me teach me the ins and out of the game., what linemen do, what defenses do, what defense are gonna show me, and what do I need to do when the defense has shown me this. So, I mean, we really been. I've really been working, and actually I was just actually doing that with him not too long ago. So, I mean, you know, really, you know, preparing myself for the college level, really learning the ins and out of the game is really gonna help me prepare for college and be ready and not be behind and having to catch up while I get to college. Yeah. When I get to college, I'm gonna be ready for, you know, what's coming to me. So, that's the main thing. That's what he's been helping me on too. So. Go ahead. No, I was just saying, I was just gonna say . He's doing a good job with it, so,

Coach Matthew: 27:55

yeah. And I remember you saying that he's,, he used to play college football. He even played in the pros a little bit, so that's something that not a lot of people get to have in their back pocket. Somebody who's experienced that. So how does that kind of feel to have that?

Max Anderson: 28:09

Oh, I mean, it's good,, and it is perfect because he was a defensive guy, so he knows the ins and outs from defenses. And so, you know, having that, having him being able to help me., show me what defenses are gonna do in this.'cause he's a,, I think he's a defensive guru just because, you know,, he played on defensive ball, defensive side of the ball. So he's telling me what defenses like to do in this look what they like to do in that look and, you know. Telling him what, like the plays we run and stuff like that and what we can get out of those type of players. I mean, he's, really helped do, helped me do a lot. And, and I really am blessed and lucky to have him. Mm-hmm. To be able to, you know, coach me through this.'cause he's getting me a lot better mentally. And, , it's gonna, it is gonna pay off when I get to college.

Coach Matthew: 28:48

And so would you say he's probably your biggest. Role model or biggest mentor in your life right now? Oh, oh my.

Max Anderson: 28:53

Yeah, for sure. Ex and ex, I mean, yeah, for sure. I mean, he's always, he's always been there helping me and I, I've just always been inspired by him 'cause what he's done and the great things he's done in his life, what he's accomplished. So, for that, I mean, I'd say that for sure, he's really, really inspiring to me and I, I'm just grateful to have a guy like him and what he's done and just being able to help me. Grow mentally in the game. Mm-hmm. And it's stuff like that. It's just something's really special. I'm just so blessed. So

Coach Matthew: 29:18

who else do you feel like is your biggest mentors in your life? It's 'cause you played multiple sports.

Max Anderson: 29:23

Yeah, I mean, I got, I all my coaches, really, all my high school coaches and my parents and my family. I mean, they're all really great mentors in my life., I could go, I can go down a list of just., a lot of people who've, you know, really helped, develop me into the person I am today. So, I mean, I can go from my mom, , my mom's always there for me. My dad's always there for me., my brothers always there for me, coaches and all that. So, I mean, I can really go down the line. I got a really lot of great people. That's all helped me get to where I am today. So that's, I mean, a lot of people. So, yeah, I mean, I'd be, I could probably be here forever talking about

Coach Matthew: 29:54

that. So yeah, if I was like the list of 40 people, I get that. I. But I think that's great. I think, 'cause there's a lot of people out there that they don't have a mentor. They don't have somebody who's like in their ear like, Hey, let's, you know, let's straighten up a little bit. Mm-hmm. And I think that's so beneficial for, especially for kids. Mm-hmm. Because sometimes kids, they come up in a place where it's just, it's not good. Mm-hmm. And they just need somebody who kind of. Not necessarily like straightens them out, but straightens 'em out. You just like, Hey, let's not do that. Hey, let's do this. Yeah. Just point 'em down the right path.

Max Anderson: 30:24

And then , and talking about that, like, you know, , my dad growing up didn't really have like a really a, a real mentor, you know, to help guide him. Mm-hmm. So, I mean,, he struggled in some things, and my dad was a really good athlete too. But, you know, him, him not having that mentor, you know, tell him to stay focused in school, to tell him to, , you need to do this. Telling him you need to do that. You know, him not really having that, you know, but I mean,, he had some good coaches and stuff like that. Yeah. But like him not having that really good father figure and just, you know, stuff like that to just keep him on track really. You know, it really, I mean, like, just saying, talking about that, I mean, that's why having a mentor is really special and, you know, I'm, I'm, I got plenty of mentors and plenty of people that,, wanna see Meek the seed. And it's, and it's helped me in, you know, a tremendous way so.

Coach Matthew: 31:09

And so kind of what role have your, uh, your parents had on you from, for your upbringing?

, Max Anderson: 31:15

I mean, my dad, my dad's always like, growing up, growing up since I was a kid, my dad's always, you know, always told me and taught me to what it takes to, 'cause I've always, I've always liked sports since I was a kid, so he's always, you know, tried to push me. And show me what it takes to, you know, become a good player because he's, I mean, he helped my, the reason why my uncle is, you know, where he is today is because, not just because of him, but like he's had a big part of why he's, you know, successful. So, I mean, you know, having, being able to have that in in your life is just good. So, and it's gonna help you when you get to that, you know, the, you know, adversity times in your life. So that's what I'd say.

Coach Matthew: 31:53

I like that. And so with, . Coming up, starting off, kind of like rough, , as far as. Your high school career, how do you feel like those losses and setbacks, how do you feel like you've built resilience through those?

, Max Anderson: 32:06

'cause, it's super hard. You don't, you don't ever wanna lose. So I mean, being after those losses, it just makes you more hungry and makes you really want to just keep getting better, keep grinding. So I think like lo being, losing those, losing those games early up on the up,, coming up in high school,, just made me want to keep working. Mm-hmm. Made me just, it just. Eagered me to just want to just never loose them again and go in the gym like, and just keep putting in the work. So I just think, you know, me, me taking those losses and going through those, , adversity times, helped me, really want to put in the work and want to, you know, be better for myself, not only for myself, but my, for my teammates too. And we all pushed each other just to, you know, so we can all get better. And, you know, having, having. Eight dogs instead of just one. Yeah. I mean,, it's gonna, that's how you become great teams and championship teams. So, and that's what I think, that's what we've done a really good job at

Coach Matthew: 32:56

for sure. And so like in moments where somebody might feel like quitting, what do you feel like is the difference in, I. What we tell ourselves between the person that keeps going and the person that quits. What do you feel like the difference is in what they tell themselves?

, Max Anderson: 33:10

I mean, I think communicating with them, I think communicating with them is very important. Just telling them that what you're, what their potential is and what they can become. And 'cause you know, them not having that belief in some of them wanting to quit, it's obviously for a reason. Maybe because they don't believe in themselves, maybe because something happened. You know, being able to communicate with them and, talk them through it. You know, really pushing'em, telling 'em that you're capable of this. If you just keep going and, you know, keep doing what you're doing. You just gotta keep working every day and keep doing what you're doing. But like, and let 'em know about their potential. Yeah. Because they could be a really talented player and you, and making them realize that for themselves is just a next level thing that'll make them, , really want to. Maybe change their mind and make them wanna come back and be like, yeah, you know what, maybe this is, maybe you're right. I, maybe I'm just, you know, going through a tough time right now. Yeah. And just maybe I'm just going through a little slump and I just need to, you know, keep going. So I think that's fairly important. Communicating with them and just talking them through that.

Coach Matthew: 34:02

Has there ever been like a moment where you were put in that situation where. Let's say there's a player that's doing that. Is there a moment where you did something to shift them? Oh yeah.

Max Anderson: 34:10

There, there was a co, there was a couple times in high school growing up. You know, me,, kids,, going through it, having their slumps, them not wanting to be, you know, be mm-hmm. You know, not them, not, you know, feeling too good about themselves and, you know,, you just gotta be there for 'em. That's what, you know, that's what teammates for, you know, you gotta, you gotta be there for them.'cause it, you know, when you, when it's your time, when you're not going through it, going through a good time and you know you're going through your slumps and you're not believing in yourself, having that person that. Can just come up to you and be like, Hey man, you know, you just, you, you're good. You just need to keep working on your stuff and, you need to keep pushing through 'cause you, you're capable of doing this, you're capable of doing that. Your potential is on, I mean, your potential is the sky's the limit for your potential. I mean, you can do whatever you want. You just gotta keep working and get through it.'cause you know, you never know what's gonna happen.

Coach Matthew: 34:54

Yeah., having that in your ear. That I feel like that separates, that's the difference between quitting and keeping, keep going. Mm-hmm. Because like more times than not, if you just keep going, like you don't know what's on that door.

Max Anderson: 35:08

Yeah. You

Coach Matthew: 35:08

know what they say? Like, keep knocking, keep knocking. Eventually the door's gonna open up.

Max Anderson: 35:11

Yeah.

Coach Matthew: 35:12

Eventually the door's gonna open up. So , just like what we talked about, like you're a leader not only in football, but also in basketball. So how do you feel like you've. Become, how do you feel like you really truly stepped into that leadership role over time?, Max Anderson: I mean, us, you school, you know, you, for all my, especially my football, both football and basketball, , we've always lacked that person to,,,, we've always had the coach that would, you know, try to be on this and, , try to, keep us going, keep us working hard. But, you know, as you, as you keep going and,, practicing stuff, you know. When the coaches are trying to push you, sometimes that that just goes in one ear and out the other. Like, you know, you stop listening and stuff. So you always need that player that's actually going through it with you to be able to push you. So I think, you know, us, me going to get into high school, not having, , anyone really,, trying to be that person, , it forced me to be, 'cause I didn't, I didn't want, you know, I was tired of the coaches saying, we need a leader. We need a leader. Yeah.'cause no one's pushing each other. Da, da, da, da. And 'cause our coaches were always trying to do that. But then, you know, we didn't have that player, so it kind of forced me to,, you know what, I'm, I'm gonna be that guy'cause, I want to be successful. I wanna win. So, yeah, I mean, , and then they presented itself and the next thing you know, I'm the guy that's yo yelling and screaming, telling us, let's go. We gotta do this, we gotta do that. And then, you know, the, the guys listen. Mm-hmm. And they, I mean, we're, I'm going through it with you as well. So while I'm going through,, I'm pushing them while, you know, we're, we're conditioning, you know, while we're running. Yeah. You know, while we're practicing, you know, if we're messing up an assignment,, coaching 'em through it. So being a player. Going through the same stuff as your teammates, being able to push them as well is, you know,, it forced, it forced me to be a leader 'cause no one else would. So I think the me, my teammates, I guess not being able to wanted to speak and stuff like that. Yeah. I guess put me in a position to be like, you know what, I'm gonna do it. So. So you say that really confidently. So I almost kind of feel like there was no moment of fear. It was kind of just like, you know what? If nobody's gonna do it, I'm just gonna do it. Yeah. And it just progressively got easier. Mm-hmm. So what do you feel like some common mental challenges are that athletes would face throughout the career, starting from a young age to. You know, now,, Max Anderson: I mean, there's, I I mean, plenty. But, , I would say just main thing in sports, I feel like that people, especially athletes nowadays struggle with is, you know, confidence. I feel a lot of people have,, confidence issues because, you know, they're, they're not performing well and they think they should be performing well, but like, that, that alone comes with your work. And I think, you know, ki, a lot of kids nowadays. They think they should be playing like Steph Curry. Yeah. But they don't, they don't work like Steph Curry. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So they, you know, being able to, you know, really put in the work and then, you know, if, then if you're putting in the work and then you're not seeing results, then you gotta find that what's, you know, what am I doing wrong? You know, what am I, what do I need to do? But like a lot of kids, I think a lot of kids now, they just. They, they think they should be playing like this, but they don't work like that. So they got, I mean, they gotta, you know, really, really work hard and, , but like, I mean, you know, talking 'em through it, you know, yeah. Telling them what they need to do, being that guy, that means, that's being honest with them, you know, being honest is a really important thing to, you know, being successful. And, , I just think that if your, if your teammate's not doing what they need to do, you gotta be on 'em and tell 'em, Hey bro,, you gotta do better., you gotta put in the work. You gotta be, you gotta do more.'cause you're not, you think you should be playing like this. Yeah. But you're not putting in the work to play like that. So, yeah. It's a, it's kind of like an awareness thing almost. Like you have to be aware of what you're doing mm-hmm. So that you can get the results that you want. Yeah. And some players aren't aware of what they're doing. Mm-hmm. They might be thinking, they might be out there thinking like, Hey, I'm Steph Curry, but they're really acting like, , I don't know. I don't wanna say Lou Williams.'cause Lou Williams a really good bench player, but Yeah. They're, but

Max Anderson: 39:00

like, they're just, you know, they're, they're inside, they're going home, you know, after Pratt is, they're playing the game. Yeah. They're going home after practice, gonna sleep, they're going home after practice, just chilling, eating, you know, just chilling, not doing nothing. Yeah. Instead. You should be going home doing the, if you really want to be better, you know, you should be going home, doing the extra things. You should be going home, lifting, maybe going home, putting the extra work. Mm-hmm. Maybe going home, do some drills, you know, that, that stuff would, that, that stuff will take your game to another level. So, I mean, I think that's very important.

Coach Matthew: 39:26

So I gotta ask, , speaking out, you know, like decisions we make and being aware. So with sports, what do you typically eat before a game? I remember me, I could only ever eat Subway before a basketball game or, or even a baseball game.'cause otherwise I'd cramp or, I'd feel sick., Max Anderson:, I'm a big Chipotle guy. Okay. Yeah. I love gonna Chipotle before game. Some people think that's a lot, but for me, I mean, that was, that was always a good meal for me. Me and my teammates used to after school for football games, , you know, take a little trip down to Martinsburg, go to Chipotle, get a burrito, get a bowl, whatever. But, , Chipotle, Chipotle was definitely one of the main things I would eat before a game. But like sometimes, , for basketball,, they cook before, so it's whatever they cook and whatever they like, decide to make for us. But for me, like if I have a preference and where I, if I want to go somewhere to go get some food before a game, I'm going to Chipotle. So, hey, being at WVU you might be able to get a sponsorship from Chipotle. That'd be cool. That

Max Anderson: 40:18

would be dope. I love free Chipotle

Coach Matthew: 40:22

it. And , so like what is, you've, I've seen you drastically grow in. Size and then muscle over the last four years. So what's kind of been your key to that? As far as diet? As far as workout regimen,

,, Max Anderson: 40:34

just, you know, working, lifting as much as I can.'cause I used to, I mean, samples also, like coach samples also lifts every day. So, yeah. You know, come, going back to my freshman year, you know,, I always used to be in the weight room. Always used to be in the weight room., 'cause he used to make us live for basketball and then, you know. Samples. I live, I live right beside the school, so I used to look out my window. I see Sam's car up in the, on the weekend. Okay. I used to see Sam's car up there on the weekend. I'm like, you know what, let me go work out.'cause Sam was up there working out and he's there all day doing coaching stuff. Yeah. And then, you know, and after I'm done lifting, I might go get some shots up or might go on the football field and throw around with my brother. But like, you know, . You know, doing that type of stuff, it's just, it takes your game to another level. Just being able to, you know, really grind and, you know, yeah. Being able to really work., it helps and people, like people, I think athletes nowadays really need to notice that if you really, you know, put, put yourself in a position to just keep working, being able to grind, being able mm-hmm. To work. It's, it, it takes your game to another level and you, and I think athletes nowadays need to see that and not just expect to be able to play. You know, good. Yeah. And stuff like that. You gotta earn it. So,

Coach Matthew: 41:41

yeah. And, and one of those things that just showing up every day, not just showing up and just, Hey, I'm here, but like, showing up and putting in the work. That's one of those things, that's what builds discipline. Yeah. Because we talked about it yesterday. There's moments when , he doesn't want, he doesn't feel like waking up. No. Getting outta bed. There's the moments when, like, I don't feel like getting up outta bed, going to the gym. I go to the gym at 4:30 AM every morning. But it's that discipline, it's remembering. Why you're doing it? Yeah.

Max Anderson: 42:07

You're wise. Why? Why? Like, I mean, for me, my, it's my family. I don't, when I, when I'm going to college and stuff, like, I'm gonna be thinking about, I don't want my, I don't want my mom and dad to work again. Like, yeah, that's, that's my why. Like, I don't, they've done so much for me from paying for me to play for a, a u, they, , putting me in the best positions to, you know, be seen by coaches, put him. You know, letting me, , go travel across the country to play, , travel basketball from playing Pop Warner to going, , playing in Baltimore, playing against, you know, the highest competition, like the , big competition. You know, they've done so much for me, so why not go, why not do the extra work that, you know, is gonna help me be a more successful person in life in general? You know, so , why not do all the little things it takes to be great for them? And, you know, to help me be success not only a successful person, but you know, to if, if it all goes as planned, you know, , make some good money and, you know, take care of my family. That took care of me. Yeah, growing up for sure. Just,

Coach Matthew: 43:05

just trying to give back. That's how I kind of developed that mantra. What if it all works out? You know? Because you can always quit. You can always quit. Why quit now though? Yeah, I'll quit now.. Just keep going.

Max Anderson: 43:14

Never know. You never know what's on the other end. You never know. Yeah. Like if, if I were to just stop playing football, who knows what I could have been? Yeah. You know what I'm saying? Who knows? Who knows? I could have done some special things in college. Who knows? But , why not? Why quit and not find out? Then do it. Then do it and see what happens. You know what I'm saying?

Coach Matthew: 43:29

Yeah. Because, , and Jim, Jim Row, that's another guy , to look up, but he talks about discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs tons, so it weighs a lot more to regret. The what ifs than it does to be disciplined to pursue and, and achieve whatever it is that you want to achieve. So, that's something that I always give in the back of my mind too. So how do you feel athletes navigate self-doubt and stay mentally strong under pressure?

Max Anderson: 43:59

Under, athletes, I think the, they would, they, I think they believe so. Like they generate self-doubt. It's just by, you know., I would say their, you know, lack of work, I guess. I mean them not believing that they can do it, them not, you know, really been seeing the results in practice. Yeah. Maybe, and sometimes maybe even like coaches and stuff could even cause that. Yeah. But what was the other part? How they progress through it, you said?

Coach Matthew: 44:21

Yeah. So like, how do you feel like they stay mentally strong, under, that pressure?

, Max Anderson: 44:25

I mean, just trusting. Trusting yourself, trusting your work, trusting you know, what you've done, you know, to get where you are today. I think. That's a, a really huge part. I mean, having that, having that good role, that good coach that you know, is gonna always,, you know, if you're going through that tough time, maybe he's gonna talk to you, be like, Hey man, hey, we got this. You know, and believing in your coach, believing in their game plan, believing in all that stuff, that, that always, you know, helped transition you into becoming just. You know, being able to progress through those, you know, clutch times and clutch moments and stuff like that. Yeah. So I think that you're just teammates and your coaches believing in you and y'all talking through it and y'all believing in the, in what y'all got set. It really helped you progress through that.

Coach Matthew: 45:04

And so that kind of, makes me think about, so this year, this past football season, the first time you guys were playing Martinsburg for the season, in the regular season, and I think it, the half the half is what? 12 to seven, right? Yeah. So like kind of what's going through your mind in that moment?

, Max Anderson: 45:19

during, during that game at halftime, , I mean, we're down seven 12, you know, we were struggling offense, well, not really struggling, but, we were getting down to the red zone, but then we weren't executing. Yeah. So, ,, what came to our mind was just that, you know,, we gotta do a better job with finishing drives. So, , I mean, we came out, we came outta half, I think we got stopped the first time, and then they, we stopped them, and then we came down and scored and took the lead. So really believing in what, you know, what, what the coaches had planned for us. Really executing the plan and really executing plays and staying locked in. I mean, I mean,, it's tough, you know, it gets hard, getting,, being out, especially in high school, like, you know, you're more, you're playing both sides, so you know, you're playing, I'm going on offense, and I'm going right back out on defense. So it's like, it's, I mean, it's hard and tiring, but, you know, you just gotta, believe in what your coaches got playing, believe in your team. Believe that they can execute and believe in yourself, you know? Yeah. So, yeah.

Coach Matthew: 46:12

So what kind of playing both sides of the ball and being a high level player, both on offense and on defense. Like you said, you get tired. So what kind of just drives you to keep going despite being so exhausted?

, Max Anderson: 46:25

I mean,, my teammates, I don't wanna, I don't want to take a play off for them., yeah, I always wanna play hard, you know, uh, don't, I don't want to, I don't wanna be the reason why. I don't wanna be the reason why, you know, they made a play. You know? And I just, that's, and that's, and that's what pushes me is just, you know, to, I play for my teammates and I hope they would do the same for me. So, you know, playing hard every play. And, and then if I needed a break and I'm that tired, I'm like, Hey coach, lemme get one.'cause I don't want to, I don't wanna cheat, I don't wanna cheat them, and I hope they wouldn't want to cheat me. So, , being able to, you know, push myself for them and them doing the same for me is what really, you know, drove us and, you know, guide us a long way. So,, that's

Coach Matthew: 47:01

how I would say. Hmm. And then so with sometimes you have negative thoughts. So how do you feel like you go about, or how do you think an athlete would go about catching a negative thought, but then reframing that into something more empowering?

, Max Anderson: 47:13

I mean that, I mean, that happens a lot in sports, you know?'cause you know, you dropping a, you drop a ball, maybe you think, ah, man, why am I, why am I dropping this? Da da. Then you let that, you let that carry over the next play, then you're gonna mess up. You just gotta have a short memory and just be able to, you know, if you make a mistake, let it go. Move on. Next play. We gotta refocus next play and execute this play. So being able to, you know, have a short memory and stuff and , being able to move on.'cause like yesterday,, I was in the corner wide open for a three. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Dropped it right outta my hands. Yeah. I gotta have a short memory and move on. Yeah. You know, I gotta lock in this next defense position and get a stop. So, yeah, I mean, that's really important and, and in big games, and if you, if you don't have a short memory, big games. One mistake you make, , that could cost you the game, especially in us, you know, especially playing against,, Morgantown. Yeah. You know, we make, you know, we, we come out and make a mistake and , we let plays keep carrying over to next, the next play, next possession, next drive. You know, that can really make you lose games. So you really got to,, keep focusing. Yeah. You know, move on from mistakes.'cause those can really cost you games. It's

Coach Matthew: 48:13

really about kind of almost forgiving yourself in a way. Yeah. Just like, hey, like it happened. Move on. Because like you were saying yesterday, you're in the corner, got a wide of a three, you probably would've made it, it just slipped through your hand. Yeah. It happens. It's kind of just saying like, you know what, whatever. Yeah. Not a big deal.

Max Anderson: 48:26

Yeah. Because , you gotta be able to not only get it out your head for your, , for yourself, but your teammates. And also they, they believe in you enough. They know that was just a little mistake. Yeah. You don't usually do that. So them being able to, you know, believe in, believe in you and then when they made a mistake, you know, help them move on. Just telling them you believe in them is all right. You know, just little oops. And just being able to move on from it is, I mean, , it is a good thing that, you know, being able to have a short memory.

Coach Matthew: 48:50

Yeah. And so when you're moving towards long term success, what do you feel like one of the biggest mindset shifts is? When achieving long-term success,

, Max Anderson: 49:00

you know, just be able to take, you know, one day at a time, being able to, you know, not worry about anything that's happening, you know, previously, not anything that's gonna happen in the future, but worry about your now, worry about, worry about what you gotta take care of for this day, for this day. Worry about, don't worry about nothing that's gonna happen.'cause you can't control that. You gotta worry about what, you know, what you're living in now. So I think that's a, that's, that's really important to know. Taking care of your long-term success and knowing what you wanna do and knowing your goals and knowing, what you want to achieve. So I think taking care of what you got going on today is, you know, something that's really important. Really what's gonna get you to be able to, you know, achieve long-term success.

Coach Matthew: 49:38

Yeah. And so one thing that I think about, I feel like this year alone, you've. Going through a lot of adversity outside of the sports stuff that didn't even have anything to do with the sport. Yeah. With , like let's say like the football season, whatever happened, happens. And now you guys go from, I think it's what it six and one? Yeah. Like six and one to six and

Max Anderson: 50:00

seven and one to four and six. So,

Coach Matthew: 50:03

yeah. And so with that long, so at that point, your long-term success is what we're trying to make win the state championship. Yeah. So what's kind of going through your mind at that moment?

Max Anderson: 50:11

I mean. When, that happened, you know, we, I mean, we were lucky that, uh, there was only 16 teams in the four A class, so everyone made the playoffs. But like, yeah, I mean, if that, wasn't a thing that could've really hurt us from not making the playoffs. So,, but I mean, after that, you know, we just took it, we were just like, we make, we make the playoffs anyway. Let's just go. If, I mean, if they're gonna make us be four and six, I guess we're gonna go on the road and have to beat these teams. So yeah, just really, I mean, be, I mean, being lucky the situation we're in with only 16 teams. But really having that mindset saying like, it, it hurt it, , it hurt us, you know? Yeah. Us losing those wins and stuff.'cause it was like, we really worked so hard for that. Yeah. And they were just taking it all away from us. But, , you know, really having that mindset, it was like, you know what, at least, I mean, at least we're lucky to, you know, be able to make the playoffs and we're still gonna get the opportunity to play these teams and be able to compete for a championship. Having that mindset to be, , what? You know, they might've took our wins, but we still gonna be in the playoffs, so we might as well just go on the road and beat these teams. Yeah. And , luckily we got our wins back and everything went how it was supposed to go. Yeah. So, I mean, but I mean, coaches, the coaches really instilled in us, you know, Hey, we might've lost these games, but we still have an opportunity to go win a state championship. So no matter what happens, if we have to go on the road, we gonna go on the road, but we going, we gonna, we still gonna, you know Yeah. Come out with a win. So., that was our mindset. And when, when that happened, which was a really tough situation, but I'm glad that, you know, everything shaped out how it did and we got our wins back and we got to play at home.'cause that was the real, that was the real thing that hurt us about it.'cause , spring Mills never really has home football playoff games. Yeah. Yeah. And, the fact that we work so hard to., have our fans be able to show up for games instead of traveling all the way across the state. Yeah. To go play Huntington or George Washington and stuff like that. But being able to, bring that for our school is something that was really important to not only me, but our team being able to, to, you know, play games in front of our fans.'cause, little did we know, like when we were four and six, we just played our, we just played our last home game. We didn't even know. That's, yeah, so, so, you know, we were thinking, we already thought we was gonna play three home games 'cause how our record was shaped out and then them taking that away from us and which was something that we really worked hard for. But,, I'm glad everything shaped the way it did.'cause I'm, you know, it was, it was really a blessing and I was so happy that I got to,, do that for the school.'cause we've only usually every other season it was only one playoff game that we've had. Yeah. And we got to play three more home playoff games. You know, in front of our home crowd, and it was really special and I enjoyed every single last game of

Coach Matthew: 52:40

it. And that's the end of part one of episode three of Royal Vision Podcast with Max Anderson. I appreciate you guys following on TikTok Instagram and subscribing to us on YouTube. And if you're ready to join the kingdom, go to coach matthew.com and copy yourself some Kingdom merch. We got gym tank tops, we got sweatshirts and we got T-shirts too. So join the Kingdom today. I appreciate you guys. Peace out.