HighFIVE: Max Gart
H5 Episode 38 / Summer 2020 / by Katie Newell
Taking to heart the family philosophy he lives by, “To those whom much is given, much is expected,” 8th grader Max Gart started a pay-it-forward mission that has surprised everyone with its extraordinary success.
For his bar mitzvah project, Max chose to serve the under-resourced in his community through the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation, requesting that donations be made to the CYTF in lieu of gifts. Max raised $10,000 and collected much-needed tennis equipment, including 112 racquets.
While Max is not shy about the fact he is smaller in stature, those who know him praise his strong character both on and off the tennis court.
The crafty lefty appreciates that success on the tennis court isn’t reliant upon size. His favorite shot is currently a big forehand drop shot.
“Being on the smaller end for my age means sometimes opponents underestimate me,” he said. “It encourages me to be a more technical player.”
His mother, Rebecca, explained his selfless act was entirely self-directed and that when Max does something, ‘he goes all in.” She and husband, Ken, are proud of their son who took his project not only seriously but with a very hands-on approach, teaching 4- and 5-year-olds at Gates Tennis Center in addition to gathering donations and equipment.
“He’s very kind and he’s also very competitive,” she says. Max has two siblings, brother Jeremy (18), and sister Sydney (20).
That competitiveness serves Max well as he continues to advance his game at Kent Denver where he hopes to play varsity down the road under coach Randy Ross, and at the Denver Tennis Park where he’s in their Advanced Development Program.
Max is recognized by all around him a true role model both on and off the tennis court. In fact, last year Wilson Sports sponsored him not because he had the highest ranking but because he exemplifies the qualities that promote good sportsmanship.
His act of selflessness has taught him that strong character and kindness bring out the best in people. Also, a little effort goes a long way to making a big impact.
His advice to other young people wanting to make a difference is simple. “Use what you have,” Max said. “I was given so much and just wanted to give back to the community.”
Dealing with the reality of COVID and the uncertainty of organized play, Max just wants to focus on continuing to grow as a player. In terms of what a future career might hold for him he wants to play high school tennis and hopefully college tennis, studying business with his eye currently on a Division III university.
“I want to follow in the steps of my dad in business but I also want to continue my passion in sports,” he said, adding with enthusiasm, “I’d love to be a sports agent like in Jerry McGuire.”
Max encourages anyone with gently used equipment sitting around to continue his mission and donate it to the CYTF at Gates Tennis Center where it can be used to promote the game to the underserved communities.
MidFirst Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks and this combination of size and private ownership provides our customers with a special brand of banking. We are a strong supporter of the communities we serve, investing time and money in important educational, charitable and civic organizations. Our volunteerism is powered by our employees from all of the communities in which we live and share with our customers. MidFirst Bank is a proud partner of USTA Colorado.
