From Alabama to Honolulu, Max Slaughter‘s voyage has been about deserts, paradise and growth.
Playing Alabama with a volleyball-loving family, off-season practices were a 90-minute drive away. Slaughter was a 5-foot-5 outside hitter in middle school, and when the family prepared to move to the islands after his freshman year, there was no telling what his potential was.
He fulfilled it in every possible way. Now 6-2, the persistent and resilient Moanalua senior was voted Star-Advertiser Boys Volleyball All-State player of the year in 2019. He outpointed, just barely, Punahou’s outstanding 6-7 junior, Jack Deuchar.
Slaughter chatted with Hawaii Prep World.
Name: Max Slaughter
School sport: Boys Volleyball
Class: Senior
Q&A / Favorites:
Athlete: Kobe Bryant
Team: Nebraska Women’s Volleyball
Food (at home): Spaghetti
Food (eating out): Chicken Karaage
Hobby outside of sports: Surfing and hiking
Movie: The Greatest Showman
TV show: The 100
Video game: NBA 2k
Music artist: Billie Eilish
Teacher (elementary through high school):
I can’t pick a favorite they all have been so helpful and supportive.
Class: Yearbook Production
I love talking to people and interviewing because everyone has an interesting story to be heard.
Place to relax: Yokohama Bay.
Motto/scripture:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
What your mom says that you can’t forget:
Always give respect to your coaches teammates.
What your dad says that you can’t forget:
Play hard. Play smart. Don’t get hurt.
What your coaches say that you can’t forget:
We are not only preparing for your future in this sport but also your future in becoming a person
How does your sport affect your daily life during the season and offseason?
During season, sports do take up most of my time, mainly because we have practice daily, but I still have time to finish what I need to get done.
What middle and elementary schools did you attend?
Valley Elementary & Intermediate
Riverchase Middle School
What youth teams did you play for? What club do you play for and what are the daily commitments like year-round?
I used to play soccer, basketball and football when I was younger.
I play for Ku’ikahi and we go on two trips each year. Practices are usually an hour and a half to two hours, 3-4 days a week.
Where have you travelled for your sport(s)?
San Mateo, California
Columbus, Ohio
Phoenix, Texas
San Diego, California
Dallas, Texas (this Summer)
What do you like to do — or what’s something else you’re good at — that would surprise most people?
What is your ultimate dream/bucket list?
Going on a mission trip
Ride in a hot-air balloon
Travel to as many countries as I can with my family and friends
Where would you like to travel, what life would you like to have as an athlete? And away from sports?
Australia. As an athlete, I want to be someone that others look up and be an inspiration for all athletes. Away from sports, I want to give to back to others. Any opportunity I can it’s important for me to help out and do my part as a human.
Time machine: what year and place would you like to visit?
I would go back in time to Ancient Greece because of all the amazing architecture and learning about their gods.
What is the history and background of your name?
My mom was a kindergarten teacher, she wanted a short name and one of her favorite students name was Max. So she decided to name me Max because it was also short and easy to spell.
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