Cardinal Gibbons WR Maverick Shotwell wins the Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award

It seems like wherever Maverick Shotwell goes winning follows.

"Every team I've played for has gone for a state championship," the Cardinal Gibbons senior wide receiver said with a smile.

Last spring Shotwell played for a state championship in football, won it in lacrosse and finished third in the state in the 4x200 relay. He also holds the school record in long jump.

"Just coaching, teammates supporting me along the way," Shotwell said about the secret to his success. "We always like to talk about if you're juiceless, you're useless...all the energy out here I love it."

"His overall athleticism, he's a very diverse athlete," Cardinal Gibbons football coach Steven Wright said about what makes Shotwell special. "He does a great job running routes, he's got speed to blow by defensive backs, but also has soft hands."

The condensed pandemic athletics schedule last year created the opportunity for Shotwell to compete in all three state championships in just a three month span. It's also helped him get closer with his family and younger sister Presley who is a sophomore at North Raleigh Christian Academy.

"She's my best friend," Shotwell said. "COVID actually helped out with that a lot because I've been home, got more time to spend with her."

When he's not hanging out with family, he's helping out at his mom's business, Live Joy, all while maintaining a 3.8 GPA.

"He does a great job taking care of his work inside the building," Wright said. "But also is an outstanding human being."

Shotwell is currently exploring his college opportunities and has a preferred walk on offer to run track at UNC. His accomplishments earned him the WRAL Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award thanks to a heartfelt submission from his sister Presley.

"It means everything," Shotwell said. "I didn't know my sister wrote the paper, but I think it's great and I love her for that."