Chris Makowski

Classroom

Makowski is a physical education major in Syracuse University’s prestigious School of Education. He owns a 3.06 cumulative GPA and will earn his bachelor’s degree in May 2015. Chris has been a member of the SU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll (min. 3.0 GPA) three times and has made the School of Education Dean’s List (min. 3.4) twice. He intends to play soccer professionally in the United States or overseas after graduation. In addition, Chris plans to pursue a graduate degree in recreation services.

Character

Makowski’s high character is one of the reasons his teammates voted him co-captain in 2013. In that role, Chris organized group activities and led the team in pre-practice runs and conditioning. In addition, he served as a liaison between the coaching staff and players regarding team issues. He also tutored team members and organized team events to develop camaraderie amongst the group. Along with being a captain, Chris is a member of Syracuse’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The committee is comprised of student-athletes who represent their respective sport with the goals of providing open communication between the athletes and the SU Athletics Department, Atlantic Coast Conference and the NCAA. The SAAC also develops opportunities for the ‘Cuse Cares community outreach program and provides opportunities that benefit all Syracuse student-athletes. Chris is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Community

Last spring, Makowski participated in “Shooting for A’s”, a program facilitated through the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department designed to emphasize the importance of education to elementary students through athletics. Chris created lessons and led a group of fifth-graders in activities designed to improve teamwork and communication skills. In addition, Chris participates in workshops for visually impaired students teaching them different sports and skills. He also writes assessments and recommendations for parents so they can work with their child at home. In the spring of 2014, Chris volunteered at the Special Olympics, assisting with event management and set-up. He has also served as a counselor at Syracuse University’s Junior Orange soccer camp for the past three years.

Competition

Makowski is one of the most accomplished defenders in Syracuse soccer history. A starter since joining the Orange in 2011, Chris has played in 55 career matches with 51 starts. He led all Syracuse field players in minutes played in both 2012 (1,914) and 2013 (1,661). Chris has contributed to 21 shutouts in his first three seasons and was named the team’s MVP in 2012 after anchoring an Orange defense that posted 12 clean sheets, tied for the third-most in the nation. That season, Chris helped Syracuse earn the second NCAA Tournament invitation in school history and advance to the Sweet 16. In 2013, Chris was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week for his role in a 1-0 shutout of No. 12 Connecticut and 2-1 victory at Duke, the second of which marked the Orange’s first win in the ACC. Offensively, Chris has two career assists, one versus No. 16 New Mexico in 2011 and the other in a 2-0 shutout of Hartwick in 2013.