Merely a year ago, Miles Grossman, a 2023 Redwood graduate, was excited to move onto the college football field at Chapman University following his athletic commitment. Despite being in his freshman year and facing limited opportunities on the field, Grossman maintains a steadfast mindset. His relentless work ethic and determination, both on and off the field, propels him to push harder than his peers.

As Grossman embarked on his junior year at Redwood, the goals for his varsity football season fueled his aspirations. Grossman wasn’t the biggest or fastest player on the field. He was about 6’1” and weighed 175 pounds. Considering the typical size expectations for a varsity high school player, this presented a challenge. However, Grossman’s dedication secured him a starting spot in the lineup during his junior year. 

But to make the starting lineup, he recognized that he needed to spend more time in the weight room and gain weight to earn a starting position. Reflecting on this pivotal transition into the starting lineup, Grossman understood what it would take from him to become a great player.

“It was a matter of just going to practice, doing extra drills and working out,” Grossman said.

Hard work became innate for Grossman, a trait he seamlessly carried to Chapman. Grossman’s teammate at Chapman, Jackson Muzzy, said, “Miles shows up early, runs routes and on off days, always can be found in the weight room.”

Throughout Grossman’s junior year, he was contacted by various college coaches who were eager to discuss possibilities with him. But despite the inquiries, by the end of junior year, he had yet to find a school that felt like his match. During his senior year on the football team, Grossman achieved notable success, amassing 592 total yards and scoring seven touchdowns. His standout performance caught the eye of a multitude of college coaches, prompting Grossman to establish a clear goal. He aimed to commit to Chapman.  Communicating with Chapman for several weeks, Grossman, amidst emails and discussions, seized the opportunity to take an official tour. Instantly, he found love for everything that Chapman offers. 

“I loved the campus. I loved the energy and football facilities,” Grossman said.

Despite his success on the football field, Grossman also prioritized the importance of academic commitment in order to secure a spot at an institution like Chapman.

“The classroom was a huge focus for me; it’s definitely a balance between school and athletics that opens doors for you in college, and I found that balance,” Grossman said. 

With an official offer from Chapman just a year ago in December of 2022, Grossman enthusiastically committed to playing Division III football.

After arriving at Chapman, Grossman reflected on the transition.

“High school is such a different time. Being able to play a lot and then college is different. You were at the top of the food chain [in high school] and then you automatically drop,” said Grossman, conveying the sense of starting over in college after feeling like the best at Redwood.

Navigating this shift was made more manageable for Grossman due to his familiarity with Muzzy. “When Miles came to Chapman, I knew of the name because my teammate at SI, Aidan Smith, threw footballs to him in the offseason to get him ready for Chapman football camp. I didn’t think he was just a kid from Marin; I knew a little more than that,” Muzzy said.

As a freshman, Grossman’s football future remains uncertain, and he’s still deciding the path he wants to take. Yet, armed with passion and determination, he is poised to shape his career wherever he desires.