Maxwell Gagnier '12 Recruiting Profile

Dear Coach,

My name is Max Gagnier and I am extremely interested in attending college as a student
athlete. I am currently a senior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School in Indianapolis, IN and I will graduate in the class of 2012. My objective is to find a college that is very strong academically and also has a highly competitive golf program.

I have played on the Brebeuf golf team for two years. We have been fortunate to be Indiana State Champions the past two years and I believe we can do it again in 2012. I also participated in the Indiana Junior Golf program for four years. I have also played in FCWT, PGA Junior Series and AJGA events.

I wrote the following for my senior class essay and I thought I would share it with you. I believe it may help to better define my goals.

The word “risk” has a somewhat negative connotation to it-- it implies an exposure to danger or a chance of injury. The most intelligent risks are those where the potential downside is limited, but the potential upside is unlimited.  Leo F. Buscaglia confirmed the importance of taking risks when he said, “The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.”   It is clear that risks can provide a reward which is an important part of demonstrating maturity.

I took a risk two years ago in transferring from Bishop Chatard to Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, and it has turned out to be the best risk I have taken. I had mixed emotions as I entered Brebeuf for my first day. The environment was unlike my previous school, and I knew the transition process would not be easy. However, the staff and student body welcomed me so graciously that after successfully completing my first week, I felt as if I had been there for an entire year.

The real challenge for me was the rigorous curriculum. Although Brebeuf is one of the most challenging college prep schools in the State of Indiana, the teachers are outstanding in giving extra help. Transferring after the first semester was difficult because I had little time to adjust to the schedule and most importantly the school work. I did not perform to my academic expectations during my first semester at Brebeuf, and a much that had to do with the academic expectations that are placed on Brebeuf students. However, each subsequent semester I have had an upward trend in my academic scores, and I have also built great relationships with the students and teachers at Brebeuf.

Another experience I had following my transfer was the pleasure of winning back to back IHSAA State Golf Championships. I had this goal in mind before entering high school. Through hard work, perseverance, a solid work ethic, and taking risks, I achieved my goal. I hope to win a third state title this year which would be a feat that has never been accomplished in the State of Indiana. Golf has taught me about staying in the moment, being patient, and taking one shot at a time. I have tried to apply these characteristics to my life. I truly strive to live in the moment and take one day at a time, making the most of my opportunities.