Yao moved to Dallas to study at SMU, and a classmate noticed his build and encouraged him to try out for the football team. Despite having no experience, he managed to make the roster.
DALLAS — Max Yao said he loved to play sports as a child, but opportunities to do so were limited.
Growing up in Suzhou in eastern China, Yao said he “didn't have the opportunity to train or compete at a high level.”
He also knew that sports wasn't a priority for his family.
“Like most Asian parents here, they only care about academics, not sports,” he said.
While he focused on his academics, he always made time for sports like swimming, long jump, shot put and basketball.
“Even though school hours in Chinese high school were from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., I still went to the gym every day after school to train,” Yao said recently, recalling his childhood.
For Yao, moving to the United States was always a dream, and after he started watching American college basketball, he wondered if he could one day play NCAA basketball as an international athlete.
When Yao began planning his future, he realized the fastest way to get to America was to focus on his grades.
“First I worked hard to get into this university, and now I'm here,” Yao said.
He enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he is currently a senior majoring in Finance.
One day, Yao's friends made a flirty suggestion to him at the dorm.
“All my friends around me were like, 'You're the biggest Chinese person I've ever met. I think soccer is the perfect sport for you,'” Yao recalled with a laugh. “I thought, 'OK, I'll give it a go.'”
He decided to go to the SMU football coach's office.
“Is there any chance I can get on the team?” Yao asked. “Are there tryouts?”
Max Yao made the SMU roster despite knowing nothing about football.
During his sophomore year, Yao made good on his promise and tried out for the football team. He was one of about 40 people who tried out, but only two were accepted.
He made the football roster as an offensive lineman but knew absolutely nothing about the sport — he'd never played or watched football before.
But at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 300 pounds, the coaches saw potential in Yao.
Recently, former teammate and current offensive line coach Talen Robinson has been amazed at Yao's progress both on and off the field.
“The great thing about Yao is he has no established bad habits and is able to work with a clean slate,” Robinson said.
Robinson said it was initially difficult for Yao to understand the football terminology and locker room slang.
“His English has improved dramatically,” Robinson said. “It's super rare to have him in our room.”
As an international football player, making his debut last season against Navy was an NCAA dream come true for Yao.
His father flew in from China to witness it.
“They're proud that I can play at this level,” Yao said.
This wasn't the path Yao's parents had originally envisioned for their son, but they have since learned more about American football and the NCAA, all while supporting Yao's dream.
Now, Yao is excited to play one more season while pursuing his master's degree at SMU.
“Good luck, Mustangs!” he said. “Put your money up!”
