FAIRFAX, Va. – GoMason.com went off the court with freshman Garrett Kollar, a middle blocker from Latrobe, Pa. Kollar earned three letters in volleyball at Greater Latrobe High School on his way to being named Greater Latrobe Male Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2014.  He was an All-Section honoree twice and also an All-State selection in 2014.  Successful off the court as well, the freshman was a member of the National Honor Society.

GoMason.com: Why did you choose Mason?

Garrett Kollar: I chose Mason not only because I loved the feel of the campus and its academics, but also because I loved the volleyball program. I have never met a team so connected and so willing to do anything for one another. A lot of teams say that they are a family, but at Mason, we really are.

GoMason.com: What are your goals for the season?

Garrett Kollar: My goals are to continue to get stronger and become a smarter, more aware player. One thing I've noticed is that I haven't played at higher competitive levels growing up nearly as much as many D1 players do before coming to college, so I still have some things to pick up and make habit. I have huge shoes (literally) to fill in the next four years, and I plan to do just that.

GoMason.com: How did you start playing volleyball?

Garrett Kollar: I started playing volleyball because I got bored with basketball. I never really loved it as much as I wanted to and didn't want to waste my time with something I didn't love. So, I decided to try volleyball and ended up loving it.

GoMason.com: If you couldn't play volleyball, what sport would you play? Why?​

Garrett Kollar: If I didn't play volleyball, I would have been laying lacrosse. That is where most of my friends went to play about the time I picked volleyball, so I probably would have played with them.  Also I would have continued snowboarding. I gave that up because I didn't want to get hurt for volleyball, but I loved snowboarding and was always pretty good at it.

GoMason.com: What school are you looking forward to playing the most?

Garrett Kollar: I feel like most of the guys are going to say the same thing, but if any new guys don't already know; we are going to end Penn State's long time EIVA claim.  It's about time, and I want to be a part of the team that takes them down.

GoMason.com: How have you been preparing for the upcoming season?

Garrett Kollar: Getting stronger and smarter.  I had (and still do have) a really weak right leg that ended up causing tendonitis, so I have been rehabbing that as well as started squatting and cleaning with the team (I'm new to leg strengthening).   I have also been really focusing when I play, picking out all the little things I do right and wrong. There is very little room for error at this level, so I'm making sure I start doing everything I do the right way.

GoMason.com: What is one thing people should know about you?

Garrett Kollar: From a friend standpoint, if any new guys, or really anyone, need anything at all, come to me. I have no problem helping out in any situation whether it be with school, people issues, whatever. I enjoy helping people, and I hope anyone on the team feels the same way. From a volleyball standpoint, one of my best and worst character traits is that I am a perfectionist. I will work very hard to get where I want to be… there have been times this year where I went in the gym for hours and just served and served until I couldn't jump or lift my arm.  I want every aspect of my game to be perfect, however sometimes I do get frustrated with myself and it really doesn't help me to get better. My point is that perfect practice makes perfect… don't go through the motions and give it your all, and never let the other team see you sweat. Showing anger or frustration only helps boost the other team's confidence, so always look to the next play and be ready to win that one.

GoMason.com: Some of your favorites: Food? Song? TV show? 

Garrett Kollar: My favorite food is deer meat. I'm a big hunter and I grew up on the stuff, so jersey, steak, that kind of thing is all me. My favorite song varies almost weekly. Many of my teammates and I are big into music and concerts, which I love. But if you're looking for new music, just ask me, Weston, Jack, Dom or Christian. TV show would be Doctor Who or Game of Thrones. Both huge nerdy shows, but I don't care, they are awesome.