Desi became Sophie's sister-in-LOVE in 2020, and has been one of her best friends ever since. Desi embodies strength and empowerment; she is the best addition to any girl group and is a go-to for sharing an ice cream cone. ;)

Austin was one of the first people at Liberty to mentor Max. Austin has always exemplified Christ to Max and everyone around him. Austin faithfully served at Liberty for years, and disciplined hundreds of Liberty students. One of the first things that Austin taught Max was how to throw onion rings in people’s windows.

Lara is Sophie's second sister-in-LOVE since 2023, and she is a treasured member of the family. Lara lights up any room with her spirited demeanor, intense love for all things polka dotted, and will claim every day is "the best day ever!"

Caleb and Max became quick friends in college as soon as Caleb arrived at Liberty. Caleb and Max bonded over lacrosse, video games, and being from Northern Virginia. Caleb is always the life of the party and does a great job at dragging Max places he would at first be hesitant to go to. Caleb has shown what it is truly like to follow Christ, and has always pointed Max and others around him to the Lord.

Riley and Sophie lived in the same neighborhood during middle and part of high school. They quickly bonded over their shared love of Glee and many walks to Harris Teeter's Starbucks. Riley has been a close friend for over a decade, and will be for a lifetime.

Jacob is Max’s oldest friend, having met in kindergarten. Jacob and Max shared years of school, boy scouts, and Bible study together, and always know exactly what the other is thinking. Jacob and Max have always been partners for everything, having hiked hundreds of miles together and spent countless nights in the woods. Jacob’s constant friendship has always been a tremendous blessing for Max.

Sami and Sophie first connected over their love of sneakers before a dance party held by their friends at Messiah. She is a devoted friend and has shared life with Sophie over many coffees, homework dates, and by living together their senior year of college.

Wyatt and Max first bonded over a mutual love/hate relationship with running. That bond quickly transcended running and got deeper as Wyatt and Max both became Community Group Leaders under Sanjay. Wyatt and Max spent countless hours messing with Sanjay, while also learning more and more about the Lord. Wyatt has always been a great example of Christ to Max, and has shown God’s love in every aspect of his life.

Liv and Sophie met under a sunset at Messiah, shared meaningful conversation over smoothies at the Union, and have been close ever since. Liv is a constantly joyful presence, and one of Sophie's most favorite people to sing and worship with (aka, they also geek out over musicals together).

Dean and Max met senior year of college, and eventually both accepted jobs at the same company right after college. After getting dinner one time, they decided to be roommates outside of college when they graduated. Dean and Max have spent countless nights ranting about work, watching Star Wars, reminiscing about college, and talking about the Bible.

Kaitlyn and Sophie met through a game of sardines at Messiah, and quickly realized Sophie had some crazy ties to Long Island (Kaitlyn's home). They knew God meant for their friendship to develop! Kaitlyn is endlessly authentic, caring, and always down for adventure.

Thomas was the first friend Max made at Liberty, and since the second day of college, they were always together. Thomas and Max were roommates sophomore year of college, and got up to countless shenanigans that Thomas definitely instigated. Thomas was always the friend that Max could confide in, and was always there whether it was a deep conversation, or midnight spikeball. Whether it was going undefeated at spikeball for four years in college, or yelling at the TV screen when playing video games, Max and Thomas made many unforgettable memories.

Cece and Sophie met through a mutual friend as they were both transfers to Messiah in 2020. She has been a loyal and steadfast friend ever since, faithful in every season, even through torrential downpours in the nation's capital.

Sanjay and Max met freshman year of college, but became best friends junior year. Of all of the friends in Max’s life, Sanjay has poured the most wisdom and guidance into him, and has a thorough knowledge of Scripture. Max’s favorite memory of Sanjay is when Max convinced him to give him his social security number in a drive through, thanks Sanjay ;).

Sophie has known Evie since the day she was born! She is one of the most thoughtful young women, and is a truly cherished gift to her Aunt Sophie. She's also an archery, horseback riding, and science whiz -- ask her what her most recent favorite chemical composition is!

Jordan and Max met in third grade during Sunday school, and they became inseparable in middle school. Jordan and Max were roommates freshman year of college, and have walked a lot of life’s ups and downs together. Jordan has always been a steady friend, and always had the right advice for every situation, whether it was spiritual, running related, or just entertaining one of Max’s dumb jokes.