Student Spotlight – Max Phenicie

Zionsville High School senior Max Phenicie is standing at the threshold of an exciting new adventure as he prepares to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy in West Point, New York next fall. There, he will play NCAA Division I football as a linebacker.

Max’s acceptance to the USMA marks the culmination of years of dedication, both in the classroom and on the field. He is finishing a successful career as a safety for Zionsville football and has distinguished himself not just as an athlete, but also as a leader on and off the playing field.

“It was definitely a proud moment, not only for our family, but also for all the coaches who have helped him along the way,” says his father, Luke. “Recruiting has changed quite a lot with the transfer portal, and lots of verbal offers get thrown out to high school kids, most of which are not committable. So it was great to see the official letter from West Point.”

Max describes the full scholarship offer from the USMA as a dream come true. “I am going to be able to go to a very prestigious school with lots of great people and play the game I love,” he says. “It was also a huge relief to have committed somewhere before my senior season so I wouldn’t have to worry about it.”

Max plans to study management and pursue a military career. “I felt studying management would give me the best opportunity for whatever I decide to do,” he explains. “Once my time at West Point is over, my career goal is to have a successful military career. I don’t know how much time I will spend in it, but I’m very excited to lead people as a second lieutenant in the Army. After my time in the Army, I would like to get into something on the finance side. I would love to be a CEO or create my own business to lead people, which attending West Point will help with.”

“Alongside football, he played basketball until his junior year, is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, and is a peer advocate for kids with special needs,” adds his mom, Jenni.

In addition to school activities, Max is a budding entrepreneur. He and his two younger brothers run a mowing business. “We have 12 lawns that we mow weekly, plus some lawns that we get asked to do occasionally,” he says. “It keeps my brothers and me busy alongside school and football. It’s a great way to make money and has given me great experience with running a business, teaching me time management and responsibility.”

Max’s younger brothers, Hank and Judd, also play football.

Max intends to make the most of his senior year. “I think the one thing I’ll miss in high school is just spending time with friends and being close to home,” he says. “I’m kind of a homebody and don’t like to leave home, so that will be a big adjustment from high school to college. However, I’m very excited for the opportunity and looking forward to the future.”

Student Spotlight is sponsored by Huntington Learning Center.