Conner Maxwell, Class of 2028 quarterback from Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Washington, has been obsessed with football since the age of four. From backyard games to Friday night lights, the game has always been more than a pastime for him—it’s been a lifelong passion. Now preparing for his first varsity season as the starting quarterback, Maxwell is ready to lead with toughness, heart, and a chip on his shoulder.
What separates Conner isn’t just talent—it’s his mindset. He thrives on the mental aspect of playing quarterback and embraces the expectations that come with being “the guy.” While some shy away from pressure, Conner leans into it. “Expectations and pressure are privileges,” he says, “and I enjoy the moment.”
Though not the biggest in the room, Conner refuses to let size define his ceiling. “People always doubt me because of my size and write me off before they even see me play,” he says. “To overcome it, I really try to block out the noise and just put in more work.” That work ethic shows in his relentless training routine—5 a.m. lifts three times a week, wrestling after school to build strength, four days of speed and agility, two QB sessions weekly, plus 7-on-7 competition. Every rep is a statement.
This summer, Conner is taking his game on the road. He’ll be joining 23 other quarterbacks and wide receivers on a 7-day bus tour to five Division I college camps. Stops include Texas Tech University, SMU, University of North Texas, University of Kansas, and Mizzou. At each camp, Conner will have the opportunity to showcase his skills directly in front of college coaches—competing, learning, and proving that he belongs at the next level.
Inspired by players like Bo Nix—another quarterback who silenced doubters with grit and perseverance—Conner models his game around being mentally and physically tough, leading with example, and always being the hardest worker on the field. “I love competing and measuring myself against other top quarterbacks,” he says. “It drives me.”
Football isn’t all he’s about. Conner also enjoys baseball, hanging out with friends and family, and staying grounded with simple traditions—like a pregame McDonald’s run and early arrival to the field to lock in. That calm-before-the-storm approach keeps him balanced and focused.
Behind Conner’s journey are the voices that believed in him: Coach Willie Hurst, who gave him his first real shot at quarterback; Lavelle Durant, his longtime QB coach who has pushed him since age 11; Kamiak’s Coach Mac, who brings consistent positive energy; and most of all, his dad, who’s always been in his corner. “I’ve had a lot of great teachers and support,” Conner says.
His goals are clear. In the short term, it’s about leading Kamiak to success in his first varsity season. Long term, he wants to keep building on what he’s accomplished and grow into a next-level player. One of his proudest memories so far is winning a youth football championship, but he also cherishes the experiences at the Manning Passing Academy each year—both as a competitor and a student of the game.
Conner leaves aspiring athletes with a powerful reminder: “You can do whatever you want goal-wise, but it takes what it takes. Everything is earned and you have to work at it.”
He also gives a heartfelt shoutout to his teammates at Kamiak and ETA, his parents, and his younger siblings—his biggest fans—for always being there as he continues to chase his dream.