Max Malec is a first-year broadcast journalism major from Roaring Brook Township, Pennsylvania. He’s also a member of Penn State’s adaptive sled hockey and track and field programs, embodying what it means to be both a student and an athlete.

Malec has spina bifida, a birth defect where the spine is exposed out of the body, which, in his case, led to paralysis from the waist down. This diagnosis never stopped Malec from working hard, leading to his dreams coming true at Penn State. 

Sports have always been a part of Malec’s life. He credits his father, Mike, for sparking his love of athletics. Growing up, Malec played football and competed in track and field, but at age eleven, he discovered sled hockey, a sport that would soon define his athletic journey.

His orthotist first mentioned a program in Hershey, Pennsylvania, introducing him to the sport that quickly became his greatest passion. “It feels like you’re flying,” Malec said. “It’s truly a freeing feeling.”

During a practice with the State College Coyotes, Malec caught the attention of Penn State’s Adaptive Athletics. The recruiting process began, and his dad joked, “It won’t be much of a recruiting process; he’s been set on Penn State since he was a little kid.”

Now, as a proud member of Penn State Adaptive Athletics, Malec speaks highly of the program and what it represents. “It’s an incredible program and it’s allowed me to call myself a Penn State student-athlete,” he said. 

He’s honored to represent a program that promotes and brings attention to collegiate adaptive athletics. Fundraising has strongly contributed to the program, helping pay for travel, training, and equipment costs. He hopes the donation efforts continue to grow, leading to a nationwide expansion of collegiate adaptive athletics. 

Behind his determination is a powerful source of inspiration: his mother, Mary. When Malec was six years old, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Her courage and fighting spirit easily became his biggest motivator. “She taught me that no matter what you’re going through, do it with a smile on your face.”

Balancing his athletic commitments with academics, Malec is also active in some of Penn State’s sports media platforms. He is co-host of the Gloves Off podcast, as well as an active voice for CommRadio and After the Whistle. He also enjoys creating social media content, highlighting his success both athletically and academically. After college, Malec hopes to play for the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team and pursue a career as a play-by-play broadcaster or sports analyst for a major network.

As Max begins his collegiate adaptive athletics journey, here are his tips for how to get involved and show your support:

1. Follow Penn State Adaptive Athletics on Instagram and Facebook
2. Follow adaptive athletes and their journeys
3. Watch the Paralympics
4. Donate, Donate, Donate!

To keep up with his journey, you can follow Malec on Instagram or TikTok. Folks interested in watching the sled hockey league can click here or visit the Adaptive Athletics website.