Maxwell “Bunchie” Young isn’t your average 10-year-old. Crowned as Sports Illustrated Kids 2017 SportsKid of the Year, Bunchie’s meteoric rise in both football and track has dazzled fans and captivated college recruiters. However, beyond his impressive athleticism, Bunchie’s leadership, faith, and humility set him apart, making him not just an exceptional athlete but a role model for young kids everywhere. Let’s dive into the story of this young sports sensation and how he is making a name for himself on and off the field.
What Makes Bunchie Young Stand Out on the Field?
Bunchie Young’s speed is the first thing that draws attention on the football field. Known for his lightning-fast sprints, Bunchie can outrun his opponents with ease, making plays that leave defenders scrambling behind him. His speed has caught the eyes of millions, with one of his highlight reels gaining over 3 million views on YouTube. One memorable touchdown came during a Hub City Tar Heels game, where Bunchie lined up as a receiver, sprinted past four defenders untouched, and reached the end zone with ease.
In 2016 alone, Bunchie scored 30 touchdowns, and by October 2017, he had already scored 31 times. His remarkable performances haven’t gone unnoticed—The University of Illinois even offered him a football scholarship, a rare achievement for someone so young. However, Bunchie’s talent isn’t just limited to football. He’s also a supersonic sprinter who has shattered records, clocking the fastest AAU 100-meter time for 10-year-olds in 2016.
How Did Bunchie Young Get His Start?
Bunchie’s journey into sports began early. He watched his first football game at the age of three and started playing the sport by the time he was five. His father, David Young, fondly recalls how Bunchie immediately took to football. The nickname “Bunchie” has stuck with him since birth, although even his father doesn’t remember how it originated.
It wasn’t long before Bunchie’s talent became evident. At just six years old, Bunchie won the 200-meter race at the Imani Speed City Track Club meet in Compton, California, finishing 3.5 seconds ahead of the next competitor. His speed has only improved with time, making him a standout in both football and track.
How Does Bunchie Stay Grounded Despite His Fame?
Despite his growing fame and success, Bunchie stays grounded through his faith and family. A dedicated Christian, Bunchie often writes Bible verses on his arms during games and attends Love and Live Again Ministries in Los Angeles. His pastor, Lafayette Dorsey, speaks highly of his inquisitiveness and participation in discussions, even at adult Bible study sessions where Bunchie is often the only kid. His faith serves as a guiding force that helps him stay humble and focused.
His upbringing has also instilled in him a desire to give back. Every Christmas, Bunchie and his family volunteer at the Union Rescue Mission, delivering toys and goods to those in need. Bunchie’s charitable spirit extends to his interactions with fans on social media, where he has over 14,000 Instagram followers. He regularly takes time to reply to kids who reach out to him with questions or messages of support.
How Does Bunchie Balance Leadership and Sports?
While Bunchie’s athleticism is awe-inspiring, his leadership skills are just as impressive. At KIPP Scholar Academy, Bunchie serves on the student council, where he helps with projects like a sock drive for the homeless. His principal, Tiffany Moore, praises his positive influence on the school community, describing him as someone who leads by example. In September 2017, Bunchie was named Student of the Month, further showcasing his ability to inspire his peers.
Bunchie’s leadership is also evident on the football field. Unlike track, where individual performance is paramount, football requires teamwork, a concept that resonates with Bunchie. He enjoys the camaraderie and shared success that comes with football, stating, “It takes people to win. We form a bond better than the one we do in track.”
How Does Bunchie Handle Pressure and Criticism?
Bunchie’s meteoric rise hasn’t been without challenges. When news of his college scholarship offer from the University of Illinois broke, it brought an influx of attention, and not all of it was positive. Some critics argued that Bunchie was too young to be offered a college scholarship. He also faced jealousy and criticism from peers, especially after underperforming in games. However, Bunchie handles the pressure with remarkable maturity. “I don’t worry about that,” he says. “I just go out and have a good game the next time.”
Bunchie’s coach, Mike Evans, emphasizes that the scholarship offer serves as motivation for young athletes to focus on academics and character development. Evans believes that scholarships keep kids grounded and give them a reason to stay on the right path.
What Are Bunchie’s Future Goals?
At just 10 years old, Bunchie has already set his sights on an ambitious future. His ultimate goal is to play in the NFL, modeling his career after his idol, Barry Sanders. But before making it to the NFL, Bunchie plans to take a detour to compete in the 2028 Olympics in track and field, aiming for gold in his hometown of Los Angeles.
In addition to his sports ambitions, Bunchie has developed a love for leadership and public service. His positive experience on the student council has inspired him to one day pursue a career in politics. “After football, I want to become mayor of a city,” he says. His interests also extend into writing—his favorite subject in school is English, and he hopes to author a book in the future.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Bunchie Young?
Bunchie Young’s future is undoubtedly bright, whether on the football field, the track, or in leadership roles. His blend of talent, humility, and leadership makes him not just a promising athlete but a role model for young people everywhere. With the 2028 Olympics and an NFL career in his sights, Bunchie’s journey is just beginning. As he continues to inspire others with his on-field performances and off-field generosity, one thing is certain: If you blink, you might miss this pint-sized dynamo as he races toward greatness.
