Three standout prep volleyball players, — Tread Rosenthal, Caleb Blanchette and Kellan Larson — are starting college early. It’s a trend we’ve seen in women’s volleyball, but this is significant for men’s.
All three will miss their senior years of high school volleyball and other school activities
Rosenthal, a 6-foot-8 product of Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, is already enrolled at Hawaii.
The other two are still in high school this fall and will graduate early to enroll in their respective colleges this spring.
Blanchette, 6-5, is from Brentwood, Tennessee, and will go to USC. The 5-10 Larson goes to Woodbridge High School in Irvine and will go to Long Beach State.
We did a question and answer interview with the three.
When did you start playing volleyball and what motivated you to play the sport?
Blanchette: I started to play volleyball when I was 10 years old because of my older brother. He wanted to learn the sport, so it was something that I was thrown into and I loved it!
Larson: I started playing volleyball when I was 10 years old. I originally played baseball like my two older brothers but fell in love with volleyball, courtesy of my older sister.
Rosenthal: I started playing beach volleyball in my backyard when I was eight. Then when I was 11, I started playing indoor. My friends and I made a team just for fun. Watching my sisters play convinced me to start playing for real instead of just for fun.
Why was the club you played for a good fit for you (Blanchette played for C2 Attack out of Nashville, Tennessee, Larson played for OCVC and Balboa Bay out of Newport, and Rosenthal played for Manhattan Beach Surf)?
Blanchette: In Tennessee, there are not many options for club volleyball teams, so C2 Attack was my only option. Looking back on it, I would not choose another club in the country because they have been the most supportive group that I could ask for.
Larson: I played for both OCVC and Balboa Bay during my club career, both were vital to my success. They both challenged me and pushed me to be the best player I could be.
Rosenthal: I played for MB Surf. Everyone meshed well and the vibes around the whole team were good. We also all complemented each other pretty well on the court and it was a very fun team to be on all year.
Describe your experience playing with the U19 USA National Team that won a gold medal in Guatemala May…
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