Max Straneva joins Belmont Cross Country and Track & Field as a graduate assistant in 2016.  

The 2015 graduate of Syracuse University was a standout member of the university's cross country and track & field teams. A part of three conference cross country titles, Straneva was a two-time All-ACC scorer and four-time NCAA qualifier. He eventually went on to earn NCAA All-America status in the 10k.

After he completed his undergraduate career, he served as a volunteer coach at his alma mater for 2015-16 season. Under his tutelage, the men's team won the NCAA Cross Country Championship and a pair of ACC Championships (XC & Indoor Track) while amassing a whopping 12 All-Americans. The women's team placed 12th at NCAA Cross Country Championships while having two All-Americans among its ranks.

He is a certified USATF Level I coach.