A team captain for the Dinos men's basketball team, Max Eisele has gone above and beyond in academics, athletics, and the community since arriving on campus five years ago.
In 2019, Eisele began working in the University of Calgary Health and Wellness Lab under Dr Nicole Culos-Reed where he has completed two practicums. The first was with the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) study, an exercise program for cancer survivors. Through direct interactions with ACE participants, Eisele improved the program's offerings and developed a framework for a home-based maintenance exercise program. His second practicum was with the GYM program (Get Your Movement), which offers exercise opportunities for patients in Unit 58 (NeuroRehab) at Foothills Hospital. Eisele is currently the coordinator of the GYM program, working with the rehabilitation team and student volunteers to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the program during COVID-19 restrictions.
"Your leadership of the Dinos [men's] basketball team, your academic standing that has led to being funded for your graduate work, and your commitment to the Alberta Cancer Exercise study and Get Your Movement program show your willingness to push your own boundaries while still finding time to help others," said UCalgary Chancellor Deborah Yedlin in a video message to Eisele. "All these factors contributed to your nomination for this award and being selected as this year's recipient."
In addition to his time with the Health and Wellness Lab, the Master of Science in Kinesiology student has volunteered with the Catholic Family Service's CREW mentorship program, UCalgary's Thrive Centre, and Special Olympics Calgary.
"Max is a leader on our basketball team, in the classroom, and in our community," said Dinos men's basketball head coach Dan Vanhooren. "He demonstrates his leadership skills through a true sense of service and principles. He is highly academic and driven in the pursuit of his goals, and he demonstrates a compassionate, caring side in our community."
Eisele is a four-time Academic All-Canadian and was a winner of the Calgary Booster Club-Scholar Athlete Award in 2020. The native of Ulm, Germany was named the Canada West Defensive Player of the Year in 2019-20 and has been a key contributor in the Dinos' 2018 and 2019 conference title wins and the program's first national championship in 2018.
