Behind the Scenes with Max Lilly

ATHENS, W.Va. - During the course of the fall semester, the Concord University Sports Information Department will be profiling each member of the Concord Athletics Staff in a Behind the Scenes series. 

The first member of the Concord University football staff to be profiled is defensive backs coach Max Lilly.

Name: Max Lilly
Position: Defensive Backs Coach
College Alma Mater: Concord University (Bachelor's, '16 and Master's, '19)

What made you decide to get into coaching?
Grew up in a coaching family, never knew a life outside of being on the field. I was the kid drawing "being a football coach" on the kindergarten posters growing up.

How did you land at Concord?
Needed to finish some classes after leaving my last spot, was living in Athens, asked if I could help. Five years later, here we are.

What's your most memorable moment as a coach either at Concord or another coaching stop?
My Dad and myself coaching with my brother on the team.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping kids transition from who they are coming out of high schools to who they become when they leave with a degree. It's such a long, tough and difficult journey with so much growth that it's fun to watch their transformation.

Tell us where you're from and little bit about the area you grew up in.
Grew up right outside of Beckley, WV. Went to school at Park Middle and Woodrow Wilson, it's what you call an interesting area but it taught me about many different type of people. I grew up on a four-acre farm with no internet service till 11^th grade.

Favorite vacation spot?
Can't tell you, but if you know me, you know where it is.

Best local restaurant to eat at?
Campestre. Shout out to Juan, Miguel, and Christian.

What's the biggest attribute you look for in an athlete?
Speed

What makes Concord special or what's your favorite thing about campus?
Everyone is good people, they mean well. It's a close community with people who have ties here for generations. Everyone not only knows everyone but they know your parents or grandparents.

What advice would you go back and give yourself if you were 20-years old again?
Everything randomly works out.
 
Favorite TV show unrelated to sports?
Greys Anatomy. No judgement.

What's one bucket list item you have yet to accomplish?
Eat at a three-star Michelin restaurant by myself for my birthday.