The Full Story
Maxine's Legacy
Maxine Connelly, also known as 'the girl with the golden heart', had a passion for helping others. Maxine's friends and family proudly boast about a time when Maxine gave her last $20 to help feed others in need. In 2020, at the young age of 20, Maxine was welcomed home, and became the angel she was always believed to be. In her honor, The Max Volleyball Tournament was established. The Max is proudly partnered with Feeding The Gulf Coast (a member of Feeding America), a non profit organization whom provides perishable and non perishable foods to those in need.
“Combining Maxine’s love of volleyball and her desire to feed those in need is the perfect way to honor our special girl", says Marcy Eskanos, Maxine's mother, and The MAX founder.
"We hope to create a legacy for years to come; that would mean so very much to her.”
The third annual Max Volleyball Tournament will be held May 19, 2024 at Juana's Pagodas on Navarre Beach. To Find out how you can get involved, compete in the tournament, or become a sponsor, please fill out our Contact Us Form.
The Girl with the Golden Heart
The love of Maxine's Life was helping others. She is remembered by friends and family as being 'selfless'. Maxine was known around the charitable community as an active member always willing to volunteer. Maxine's best friend, Caroline, shares that the first time she ever joined the fight against hunger, was a thanksgiving with Maxine. After spending the holiday with family, Maxine would head to the local mission to hand out Thanksgiving Day Dinners.
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For the Love of Volleyball
Maxine began playing volleyball as a young teenager and quickly fell in love with the sport. She showed her teammates leadership, was an amazing friend, and put all of her effort into her games. The Max Volleyball Tournament has been created by combining Maxine's love for volleyball and her love for helping people as a way to raise money for those less fortunate.
All tournament proceeds from The Max Volleyball Tournament will be donated to Feeding the Gulf Coast.
