New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to highlight Maximos Chrisafinis as part of our Comeback Player Series Presented by JAG-ONE Physical Therapy. This series was created to celebrate players who overcame adversity or injury to excel beyond expectations as a soccer player.
Written by Alek Roschko, NJ Youth Soccer
Maximos Chrisafinis is a talented and driven player on the field, which presented him with an opportunity to join NYCFC Academy a few years back. However, he was sidelined in August 2020 after suffering a severe ankle sprain. Following the injury, he worked closely with NYCFC Academy trainers and adhered to their return to play protocols. However, something did not seem right, and he was not progressing.
In light of this frustration, Maximos underwent a sonogram where doctors found fluid in his ankle and along the bottom of his foot, causing a significant delay in his rehabilitation. The situation occurred at the same time he had quickly grown eight inches in height, which added stress to his joints and tendons that were trying to heal. As a result, he missed the entire fall season that year. He then got Covid in December 2020, challenging his mental health to the point where he did not even want to play soccer anymore. A few weeks later, he was released from NYCFC Academy.
“I was at my lowest point, mentally and physically,” said Maximos. “Being released from a team I was part of for a while really crushed me, and it just created more doubt in myself. I had to strengthen my resolve, even though it was obvious my heart was not in it. It would have been very easy to stop playing, but my parents told me I needed to find the fun in this sport again, and that was the best advice for me to start rebuilding my mind, body and confidence.”
Following those discussions, Maximos and his family contacted TSF Academy, and he soon began competing as a part of their club. In the beginning of his time at TSF Academy, he was still recovering and unable to perform at the level needed to be a part of their top team in the MLS NEXT platform. However, his true character showed as a result, because instead of complaining, he was determined to grow and joined the club at the B-Team level.
Lee Leonard, Academy Director of TSF Academy, has witnessed tremendous resolve in Maximos since he first joined their club.
“During the last 12 months, Maximos has demonstrated the greatest mental strength and comeback I personally have ever seen at youth level,” he stated.
After accepting his newfound role, Maximos displayed strength, dedication and perseverance in ways he never could have imagined. He very shortly became B-Team captain before working his way onto the MLS NEXT team and becoming a starter. He was then scouted by regional US Youth National Team scouts and earned an invitation to U-15 US Youth National Team Camp. Additionally, he has been highlighted by MLS NEXT as a Player to Watch, and he has been recruited to play in the “Best of the Best Game” at MLSFest in California.
“I fell back in love with the sport, and every decision I make is based on soccer,” said Maximos. “Although I have achieved a little success, that does not mean the hard work stops. That means I need to work even harder.”
“This is just the beginning for this fine young man, both on and off the field,” confirmed Lee Leonard of TSF Academy. “I have never written a letter where I recommended someone for an accolade more than this one. Maximos is an example to all of us walking this earth as to what being dedicated, humble, hardworking and just an all-round good human being can help us achieve.”
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