Ava Nicols
Online Editor
Sophomores Victor Loiola and Tread Rosenthal are invited to try out for the U-19 Men’s National Training Team for indoor volleyball in Anaheim, CA, starting on May 11.
“I feel super lucky, it’s not every day that you’re getting an offer like this,” said Loiola. “It’s going to be exciting and definitely a challenge.”
For eight days, Loiola and Rosenthal will compete with twenty others on the training team, ranging from ages fifteen to nineteen. They plan to battle against the others to be selected for the final roster, which plays in the Pan-am Cup in Guatemala City, starting on May 21st.
“Everyone wants a starting spot, but I think we’ll both most likely make it,” said Rosenthal. “The guys coming are all high-level players from all over the country, we do know some of the ones from California going.”
According to Loiola and Rosenthal, only twelve of the twenty players are able to go: two setters, four outsides, three middles, one libero, and two opposites. Once a player makes the team, they will be invited back as long as they are capable of playing the best.
“Think of it like a mini-olympics,” said Loiola. “You’re not winning an actual prize though, you’re representing your country and doing what you love, no prize can’t really beat that.”
The boys have been scouted by numerous coaches as they advance in their volleyball careers. Through hours of practice, tournaments, camps and more the two have shown true commitment to the sport. Loiola and Rosenthal attended four showcase events in both Anaheim and Ohio where they were seen by the coaches from the NTT.
“I hope to see college scouts there, my top schools ideally are Hawaii, UCLA, and Long Beach,” said Rosenthal. “This event would be showcasing what we can do on an even bigger stage.”
Rosenthal is a setter and Loiola is an outside hitter for Costa’s varsity team. The two have bonded over volleyball since meeting, but according to Loiola, there will be no lack of competition and fire.
“The opportunities that could come out of this if all goes well could be huge,” said Loiola. “My dad played on the national team for Brazil at sixteen, so being the first Loiola on the USA team is my goal.”
The boys will represent their club team, MB Surf, Mira Costa Mustangs, and USA altogether if they are selected for the Guatemala roster.
“It is going to be memorable for sure,” said Rosenthal. “We will get to show what we have been working for up until now and I am proud of myself and Victor for reaching this milestone.”
Rosenthal began playing competitively in Texas on various out of state indoor volleyball teams. He has since moved to Manhattan Beach to further pursue his volleyball journey. Loiola has played competitively since middle school on the indoor team, MB Surf with many of his friends, as well as in numerous tournaments and showcasing events before playing for Costa.
“It’s gonna be great,” said Loiola. “It’s surreal and I think going into this experience with no expectations except playing your best, is the best way to do it.”
Leave a Reply