Maxim Preobrazhenskiy

Maxim Preobrazhenskiy (Russian: Максим Преображенский) is a Russian professional paintball coach and former player associated with Russian Legion, also known as Boston Red Legion and Red Legion. He played for the organisation during its early international development, including its 2006 National Xball League (NXL) championship, before becoming head coach in 2008.[1]

Preobrazhenskiy was also involved in coaching Art Chaos Moscow and remained listed among Red Legion's coaching staff in 2026.[2][3]

Paintball career

Russian Legion player

Preobrazhenskiy was involved with Russian Legion during its early development under founder Sergei Leontiev.

In an August 2012 interview with Social Paintball, he recalled that the group began playing recreational woodland paintball in 1996 before developing into a competitive tournament team.[1]

He described encouraging the team to move away from camouflage clothing and adopt a more recognisable sporting identity.

According to his account, Russian Legion began competing internationally in 1998.

Preobrazhenskiy played several positions, including snake, Dorito and back centre, during his competitive career.

2006 NXL championship

Preobrazhenskiy was a member of Russian Legion during its successful 2006 American professional season.

The team, competing as Boston Red Legion, won the NXL season championship and the Paintball World Cup.

In his 2012 interview, Preobrazhenskiy recalled suffering a knee injury approximately one month before the World Cup and undergoing surgery.

He returned to competition following rehabilitation and participated in the team's championship campaign.[1]

Following the 2006 season, he retired from competitive play.

Coaching career

Russian Legion head coach

Preobrazhenskiy became Russian Legion's head coach in 2008.

He was appointed by team owner Sergei Leontiev following the 2007 season, with responsibility for training, player development and team selection.[1]

In his 2012 interview, Preobrazhenskiy described introducing arrangements that allowed Russian Legion players to compete temporarily for other teams to gain additional tournament experience.

He also discussed his involvement in recruiting international players, including Justin Rabackoff, Axel Gaudin and Jason Wheeler.

Russian Legion subsequently won the 2009 and 2010 Paintball World Cups during his coaching tenure.

Art Chaos Moscow

Preobrazhenskiy was also involved with Art Chaos Moscow, a Russian professional paintball team competing in European tournaments.

On 30 January 2012, Social Paintball reported that he had announced his departure from Art Chaos Moscow, where he had served as a coach.[3]

His involvement connected him with another Russian organisation competing internationally during the early 2010s.

Continued involvement with Red Legion

Preobrazhenskiy remained associated with the Russian Legion organisation during its subsequent competition under the Red Legion name.

The team's official 2026 roster identifies him as a coach alongside Alexey Soloviev and Ryan Gray.[2]

Coaching approach

In his August 2012 interview, Preobrazhenskiy described an approach centred on structured training, player selection and developing younger competitors.[1]

He discussed the importance of maintaining competitive standards while introducing new players and adapting to changes in tournament formats.

His account also documented the transition from his role as a player to responsibility for the team's training and competitive preparation.

References

External links