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UT's Maxwell Closer To Dream

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Maxwell was named a Daktronics second-team All-American and an All-Sunshine State Conference first-team selection.

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By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 14, 2009

Life in Clarendon, Jamaica, wasn't easy for Ryan Maxwell.

His family was poor. He grew up in a single-parent household and watched his mother work long hours to provide for four other children. Maxwell said hurricanes would damage his home every summer. Last year, hurricane winds blew off the roof of the family's home.

Soccer was his ticket to a better life.

Maxwell, a senior midfielder on the University of Tampa men's team, dreamed of playing professional soccer. That goal could be realized Thursday if he hears his name called during the 2009 Major League Soccer SuperDraft in St. Louis.

South Florida seniors Yohance Marshall (defender) and Jordan Seabrook (forward); former Wharton High standout and James Madison University midfielder Nick Zimmerman; and Maryland junior midfielder Jeremy Hall, who once played for Hillsborough County United, also have entered the draft.

"To hear my named called will be a dream come true," Maxwell said. "I always wanted to be a professional soccer player. It's my chance to prove I belong."

This past season, Maxwell was named a Daktronics second-team All-American and an All-Sunshine State Conference first-team selection after helping the Spartans reach the NCAA Division II final four. He ended the season with 10 goals and five assists.

A transfer from San Jacinto College in Texas, Maxwell played three season for Tampa, and he totaled 16 goals and 13 assists.

Maxwell was one of UT soccer coach Adrian Bush's first recruits.

"When he came on his official visit, he said he wanted to become a professional soccer player," Bush said. "He's a kid that hasn't come from much. He had to go a long route to get to the United States. He's a great kid, and he's got a lot of fire on the field. For him to make it, if he gets drafted, it would be amazing for him."

Maxwell has yet to hire an agent, and since Friday, he has been in Fort Lauderdale participating in the MLS scouting combine. Bush said Maxwell was one of two Division II players invited.

"I've been on the phone with agents and MLS teams," Bush said. "If he shows well at the combine, I think it's 50-50" that he will be selected.

If Maxwell isn't taken in the MLS draft, Bush said there is still a strong possibility that he will play professionally.

"He's going to be a pro player, there's no doubt," Bush said.

Maxwell is the first person in his family to go to college. He has 3.35 grade-point average and will graduate with a degree in accounting. After the season, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America named Maxwell to the 2008 NSCAA/adidas Senior College Men's Scholar All-America Soccer Team.

"This will generate a lot of new stuff for my family and friends," Maxwell said. "We'll be better."

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

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