Xander Maxwell is a force to be reckoned with.
The 17-year-old, Edmonton-born player is projected to be a Division 1 NCAA prospect for 2023. At four years old, he began his lacrosse journey with the North Edmonton Wizards.
Growing up, he admired watching Fort Saskatchewan Rebels Lacrosse in the Junior B league and eventually was drafted to the program after his midget season.
“They were always really consistent. Getting drafted for them, I was super excited for the opportunity.”
Maxwell had 17 points in the regular season and five points in four playoff games this past season with the Rebels.
“I really like how there is a lot of fan involvement, especially in a [city] like Fort Saskatchewan.”
For the past two years, Maxwell has attended school at Westtown School in Pennsylvania. He explained that his old coach Eric Turner, a Fort Saskatchewan Rebels Lacrosse alumni, put him in touch with the coach of the Pennsylvania School.
“Growing up, you always think of what can take you to the next level and how to get there. When I was given the opportunity by my coach down there, it was an immediate interest.”
He will retake Grade 11 at Westtown to allow him the chance to have more playing time and seek better scholarship opportunities. His goal is to play collegiately in the USA.
Before he leaves in September to return to Pennsylvania, Maxwell will represent Team Alberta at the Canada Summer Games tournament in Niagara, Ontario.
“I am hoping to represent where I’m from and showcase my skills at the next level.”
Two other Rebels Junior Lacrosse players will also represent Team Alberta. Those athletes are Jaxon Baker and Reed Low.