When Max del Monte crossed the finish line in fifth place at the state cross country championships his jersey read Chamberlain. However, he is not a student there, just an athlete. From an early age del Monte has been homeschooled.
“I started homeschooling right out of kindergarten. My mom pulled my sister out of a private school to start homeschooling us. And we've been doing it ever since. It definitely has its ups and downs, but it works out great for me because I have a highly creative mind so my schooling can be painting, or working on Adobe Illustrator, Google Sketchup, and those kinds of things.”
As a homeschooled student the junior attends classes one day a week with other homeschooled students with the rest of the days focused on homework. The extra time allows him to focus on a passion that hits close to home.
“Currently I'm in the process of making a portfolio of all my artwork and projects for college, which is fun because even then I can use Adobe programs to make the layout of the pages etc. So even when I'm not doing school, I'm learning. Like, I actually taught myself how to use these programs like Sketchup, which is a 3D modeling program and I taught myself Illustrator which is a graphics program.”
Both del Monte’s parents are architects and he would love to join them. He says his greatest piece was an eight foot cross he designed for his church.
“It was a ton of fun. I got to hang out at the fabrication shop. The steel-worker is a good friend of my dads, so yeah it was really cool. My dad owns a firm with his partner from college, so yeah that would be cool to work in the same office.”
Architecture isn’t the only thing del Monte is passionate about. He also has a special place for running. As an eighth grader he met Chamberlain coach Bill Strack who let him workout with the team. When it was time to choose where he would run in high school it was a natural fit to run for the Chiefs.
“I mean I take running very seriously and I make sure I do the workouts 110% everyday but I mean we have fun too, we joke around a lot. So going to practice is also a social 'gathering' for me, per say. It just happened to be Coach Strack worked at the Running Center near my house so he informed me he was the coach at Chamberlain.”
Some might say those who are homeschooled don’t have the same social experience as someone who goes to a public or private school. Del Monte believes the camaraderie he gains from running and spending time with teammates makes up for that.
“I definitely get that social aspect from my teammates. My teammates and I are really close. We hang out literally almost EVERY week. We're always doing something together, if it's not running, we're probably at someone’s house hanging out.”
After a successful cross country season del Monte is ready to turn his focus to the track. He’s looking to follow up on a solid sophomore campaign.
“My sophomore year was great, I ran 4:16 for the 1600 and at the time it led all sophomores in the nation. I mostly focused on the 1600, but this year I want to put in one or two solid 3200's. My goals this year, I'd like to run as close to, or under 4:10 for the 1600 and I'd like to get the school record for the 3200 which is 9:09, sub 9:00 is my second goal. Right now I'm just slowly started to build back up, with a little speed here and there to stay sharp but mainly rebuilding my base.”
Being homeschooled also helps del Monte stay grounded and focused.
“It's really helpful on the day of a meet because I can mentally and physically relax. I have some routines I do before big races and being home is a big help.”
Although, he has thought about what it’d be like to attend a public or private school, he is more than satisfied with the current situation.
“I've always wanted to go to school and I've wondered what it would be like but I wouldn't change it, ever. I know I'm where I'm supposed to be and I know God put me in this position for a reason and it's all part of the plan he has for me. I'm completely blessed to not only compete with a great team, but to have them accept me for who I am, and where I do school is amazing.”
Del Monte won’t be homeschooled forever. In a little over a year, he will embark on his college career. When it comes to announcing his top choices he likes to keep it on the down low.
“I have a few schools I'm looking at. I've got it down to four but it's still early so I'm keeping all my options open.” I'm looking definitely in-state, but also out of state too, like more out west. I really want to get out of Florida. Right now, I'm looking at schools that have a history of great running and have the major I'm looking for. Campus location and atmosphere are important too.”
Getting to know Max
More about Max del Monte
Interview after Prestate with Del Monte and Covington
Interview after County Championship
When Max del Monte crossed the finish line in fifth place at the state cross country championships his jersey read Chamberlain. However, he is not a student there, just an athlete. From an early age del Monte has been homeschooled.
“I started homeschooling right out of kindergarten. My mom pulled my sister out of a private school to start homeschooling us. And we've been doing it ever since. It definitely has its ups and downs, but it works out great for me because I have a highly creative mind so my schooling can be painting, or working on Adobe Illustrator, Google Sketchup, and those kinds of things.”
