University of Nottingham sport scholar Maxwell Smith has already claimed one BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) medal this academic year - bronze at the 2026 BUCS Doubles Championships - and is looking to better this result in the team National Championships. The former NCAA Division 1 player at Clemson University moved to Nottingham from the United States last September, and Maxwell spoke to us about his experience as a student athlete studying a MSc in Finance and Investment at the University of Nottingham.
It's lovely to meet you Maxwell. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and how you got into your sport?
I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and I have 2 younger brothers who also play tennis - so it's a family thing. My mum played collegiate tennis in the United States, and she got us all into the sport at a young age. I started taking it serious at around 9 or 10 years of age and from there, I continued to grow more passionate about it, and then here I am in Nottingham!
Have you always been interested in sport?
Yes, my dad played professional golf - so my mother won the battle with that - and I played soccer growing up as well, or football, as they say here. I played soccer and tennis until about 13 and then chose tennis, playing at Clemson University for 4 years which was a great experience.
What did you enjoy most about the sport?
Well, I think there was a clear path to get to the collegiate level. My mum had done it before and we had good resources where I grew up, which helped. But also, I just fell in love with the sport because, in my opinion, you could play it by yourself. With singles, you're out there by yourself - win or lose - it was on you, which is always cool.
But also, in some ways it relates to life a bit. If you have a bad day or you have a bad moment, you move on to the next point as you would in tennis. I like that part about it, there's unlimited time - you can be down that point, and you can still find a way to come back and win. It's never over until it's over, you know?
What made you decide to come to the University of Nottingham?
So, I actually had no clue about any of this to be honest, but Phil Wood (Scholarship and Recruitment Manager at the University of Nottingham) reached out to me over Instagram and at first, I was like - is this a scam?! But, he was just reaching out saying we have this opportunity and we're interested in talking to you, so I hopped on a FaceTime with him. The process was really smooth and there was really nothing I could say no to about it, so here I am. I had no plans and it worked out, and I think it all happens for a reason to be honest. Whatever happens, you just take it in your stride.
How does playing tennis here at this University compare to back home?
I mean, it's a bit different compared to when I was playing at Clemson for 4 years, but at the end of the day, you're competing for a university, you're competing for a team. You're showing up to practice every day, and you have coaches and teammates to work with. In that aspect it's not too different, and I still enjoy that part of it. However, I think the best way to explain it is that it's just a different vibe . It's a little more relaxing here I would say, which is good. I enjoy it, It's a good shift from America to over here.
How come it is more relaxing here, was there more pressure at home?
Yes - there's pressure, there's intensity, there's a lot more to it. There's a lot of support staff, a lot of coaches involved, and a lot of resources involved. It was almost like a full-time job, whereas here, I'm able to focus a bit more on university and still enjoy the aspect of competing and all that good stuff. It's fun and a better balance.
How have you managed starting a new course on top of adjusting to a whole new country?
So at first, I was very homesick - missing my family, my brothers, but I ended up getting used to it, got in my stride, and met my classmates which always helps. I have teammates as well, who are doing the same course and so from there, you kind of understand what's going on a bit better.
It's my first time living outside of the country, which is different, but actually, it's not much different than the US - you still have your sport and you still have your studies. The main thing is just taking care of what needs to be taken care of and doing the best you can with it.
How has your experience been here in Nottingham so far?
In my first semester I was counting down the days in the first semester, but this term, I'm really enjoying it, it's been good. The weather could be a bit better, I've kept my coat on, I think, since I got here, but I'm enjoying it a lot. Honestly, the facilities, the resources and the people I've met are actually incredible. Everyone's very nice - my coaches and teammates have been really welcoming, so that part of it I've actually really enjoyed and I couldn't ask for more.
How did you find integrating with a new team and a new doubles partner?
I think just being coming in and being open, and everyone here has been extremely welcoming - great teammates, great coaches, so I can't complain about that. It's kind of been easy for me. I feel like I was extremely welcomed and just kind of being myself, working hard and coming in to bring value to the team, you know, I think it's kind of a win-win for everyone.
Would you say that it is more important to have the right mindset about bringing value?
Yes, I think it's always about the mindset of anything that you approach, especially this. My teammates and coaches made it easy, but I came to the university with the goal of making an impact immediately, and trying to end my career with a victory. I didn't come here to go through the motions, you know? I wanted to make an impact and help the team achieve our ultimate goal.
Are you keeping an open mind to playing professionally outside of university?
I always tell people there's a chance, I don't want to write off having a career afterwards, you never know. If it leads to that, then 100%, but it's a tough question to answer because I really don't know. I'll keep working hard and see what happens from there. I love the sport, so if there was opportunity to continue playing, we'll see what happens and enjoy it day by day.
What are your career goals outside of your sport?
Yes, so I studied finance at undergrad and here I'm doing my Masters in Finance and Investments. I like how finance brings in a lot of talent and is competitive, a lot of smart people are involved in it. So, I do have career goals within finance but exactly what that would be, I'm not sure. However, I am passionate about it and excited to see what the future holds.
I think I've learned a lot from sport with working hard and trying to be the best you can. For example, within finance, I was doing something outside of school called the CFA which I studied for and passed level 2, which, is also something to take a step forward in my career if tennis doesn't work out.
How have you found the support from university of Nottingham sport being a scholar?
It's been incredible. Everyone's been super open to and welcoming, the coaching staff has been incredible, Phil Wood and all the support staff have been amazing - making sure that what needs to be taken care of is taken care of, setting us up with people and resources to help - and helping us take advantage of what's available to us. Like I said, I'm super happy with the people that I've met and people that have helped me make this place home for the short time that I'm here, so it's been it's been great.
Well lastly, what advice would you give so someone looking to make a big move to chase their goals in sport?
To be open and be willing to ask for help. It's so important to be able to ask for help and lean on people and find the people who want to help you, you know? Embrace the change, look at the positives that are around you. I think the perspective is huge. You know, you show up somewhere new, you're nervous, you're unsure of what's going on, but look for the positives and look for what's going to help you enjoy that experience.
Maxwell and the University of Nottingham men's tennis first team are competing in the National Championship semi-finals on 11th March, with the aim of securing their place at BUCS Big Wednesday. We wish Maxwell and his team mates the best of luck, and look forward to supporting him over the remainder of his time here studying in Nottingham.
You can find out more about the Performance Tennis programme at the University of Nottingham here, and the sports scholarship programme at the University of Nottingham here