Garrett Rhorer’s mother knew best when she took her son to a volleyball tryout when he was in 7th grade. Having played volleyball in high school and college herself, she felt the sport would be a perfect fit for her son. He initially thought otherwise.
“So she drags me to the tryout, kicking and screaming,” says Rhorer. “I did not want to play. And then after the tryout—it was the craziest thing—I immediately fell in love with the sport, and [have] been playing ever since.”
The Santa Margarita Catholic High School senior plays middle blocker for the Eagles, a position where he feels right at home, as he does in the sport.
“I just love the super fast pace, just the nature of the game,” says Rhorer of volleyball. “I love how energetic it gets. I feel that it’s the right fit for me.”
As a captain on the team, Rhorer has adopted much of his leadership style from the seniors before him, whom he greatly admires.
“They were all really good friends of mine, and I looked up to them heavily,” says Rhorer. I kind of just adopted their characteristics and…I try to lead [the younger teammates] both on and off the court.”
After having graduated seven seniors from last year’s team, Rhorer’s leadership has been key for this young group.
“Garrett has been the stabilizing force for us this year,” says Santa Margarita boys volleyball varsity head coach, Justin DeBlasio. “He leads by example and always comes ready to work hard. Our younger players look up to him and can understand what it takes to be successful.”
His years competing in volleyball have taught Rhorer that the recipe for success goes far beyond skill level.
“The main lessons I’ve learned…would be leadership, teamwork and team chemistry,” says Rhorer. “I’ve learned that teamwork is needed to be successful. Leadership is earned, and not just given to you.”
Away from the court, Rhorer enjoys serving the senior citizens in his community and gives of his time at local chapters of Age Well Senior Services and Meals on Wheels.
The Mission Viejo resident is headed to Ft. Worth, TX where he will attend Texas Christian University and play club volleyball, as well as study business. In addition to the seniors who have come before him, he considers his parents to be significant role models. And while Rhorer admits that faith was not originally a significant part of his life, attending a Santa Margarita retreat changed his viewpoint.
“It opened up my eyes to God and revealed things to me that I hadn’t noticed before, how to cherish my friends and family and appreciate what God has given to me in my life,” says Rhorer. “It’s really helped me through these last few months. And I thank God for that every day.”