Not many students can switch from making game-winning saves on the lacrosse field to strumming chords in the music room, but for Charlie Maszczak ’29 it has always been second nature.
What separates Charlie from other musicians involved in athletics at La Salle College High School is not just how he is capable of the tricky task of balancing two extracurricular activities, but the level of commitment and dedication he brings to the table, demonstrating that commitment to one passion does not have to limit excellence in another.
“I was inspired to start playing guitar about five years ago. My grandpa, dad, aunt and uncle all know how to play guitar, so I have always been surrounded by music and people to look up to and get help from,” Maszczak said.
Stepping into his freshman year at La Salle, Charlie carried a blend of nerves and uncertainty with him into the band room. For years, he had taken his improvement into his own hands, being a self-taught musician.
“Some of my biggest music influences are Kurt Cobain, Jeff Buckley, Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell,” Maszczak said.
“At first I just liked to watch YouTube videos to get better, or go to my Uncle for help. After taking lessons at La Salle, I have improved a lot, and got rid of many bad habits,” Maszczak said.
Entering such a strong and structured program at school initially felt very unfamiliar and intimidating, but Charlie quickly found confidence from the guidance and support from La Salle’s music staff, who played a key role in his development and success.
“Charlie started guitar ensemble not being able to read sheet music. He is now reading charts and has moved up from reading simple melodies to now being the main rhythm guitar part for the Foo Fighters song “Everlong” for our spring performance,” Maszczak’s music teacher, Mr. Snyder said.
All the time spent in the music room shaped Charlie into more than just a better musician, it helped him grow as an individual. Through collaboration, discipline, accountability, and leadership, he developed skills that go far beyond music. Those traits now translate onto La Salle’s home turf, where he is taking the first steps of his high school lacrosse career.
Charlie has been a key contributor to all of his lacrosse teams since kindergarten. Whether it is him vocally commanding the defense, making game-winning saves, and anticipating shots and plays, Charlie makes a huge impact on the energy of the game, setting the tone from the cage.
“I thought it would be really cool to play goalie. I am also pretty tall, so I take up a lot of the net,” Maszczak said.
“Charlie has always just been the guy to quietly handle himself. He has his to-do list for school, lax, music, chores and just puts his head down and handles it all,” Charlie’s coach and dad, Steve Maszczak said.
Charlie Maszczak stands out not because he excels in one area, but is able to fully commit to two very different passions with the same amount of hard work and dedication. Whether it is him keeping the beat in the music room, or backing up the lacrosse team in the net, Charlie consistently has a presence in all that he does. He adapts rapidly, has a drive to improve, is reliable, and has a strong work ethic. His ability to show growth in both music and athletics highlights his versatility, showing it is possible to make a powerful impact in more than one field.
