Senior perspectives invites Maccabee seniors to reflect on their time at Yeshiva, offering tidbits of insight based on personal experiences from both their senior season and their entire varsity careers.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is
Michael Stark. I am from Los Angeles California, and I finished my undergraduate degree with a Bachelor's in Strategy and Entrepreneurship. I am currently getting my Master's in Marketing at the Katz School of Science and Health. I have played volleyball since the 8
th grade. During the summers I surf and play beach volleyball and I enjoy traveling.
How did you first hear about/come to Yeshiva?
I first heard of yeshiva from my parents. They told me about their college days attending YU and how they met and got married while they were in college. My father also used to tell me about his time on the men's Fencing team which inspired me to join a collegiate team myself.
What has your final season been like? How does it compare to the others?
My final season was much different than what I expected. I had less time than I expected with the team since I have been working full-time for B&H Photo. The full-time job as well as my graduate school degree did not leave me with a lot of time, but I was still able to dedicate the remaining free time I did have to nightly practices and games. My role was less about becoming the absolute best on the team, but rather it was an opportunity to teach the skills I had learned from current and past teammates and coaches and impart them to my fellow teammates who could learn from me.
How has being a student-athlete shaped your time here at Yeshiva?
Being a student-athlete has majorly shaped my time at Yeshiva. I have been a student-athlete since my freshman year when I tried out for the first time for the Men's Volleyball team. I have since then participated more in athletics by working with the department at men's and basketball, soccer, and volleyball games as court staff. I have also served as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. I helped to plan the annual athletic banquet, met with our Skyline conference commissioners to discuss important rule changes and NCAA policy changes, and represented the student-athletes who play for YU.
What's been your favorite memory as a member of the Maccabees?
My favorite memory of being a student-athlete must be my very first win back in my freshman year, as well as starting in a skyline playoff game.
Any advice for future generations of Mac-Student Athletes?
My advice for future generations of athletes is to enjoy athletics and everything it provides you. Make the most of your team, it is where you will build lifelong friends. My core group of friends came because of my being a student-athlete at YU and making the most of it. I used to get lunch daily with my teammates and I am still in contact with those who have graduated as well as am in contact with those who have graduated as well as my former coaches. Take every opportunity you can to get more time on the court or field. Make each practice and game count not just for you but for your team and the family you build along the way.
Any final words or thoughts?
As my team shouts at the end of every practice and game, 1,2,3, Macs 4,5,6, FAMILY!
