As I approach my final weeks of being a college athlete, I realize it is time to move on. As I look back on my athletic career, I realize so many people were in my corner rooting for me to be successful in whatever I chose to do. Without the unquestionable support of my family, none of this would have been possible.

As a kid all I wanted to do was play sports. Every sport. I loved sports because it gave me the opportunity to compete. I was able to see that if I work hard, I could be the best. Only I knew if I had pushed myself to my limit or not. This competitive nature was nurtured from a young age. Mrs. Harper was my first P.E. teacher who made me understand my love of competing. I haven't spoken to her in years, but I hope she knows that I still think about her all the time. Coach Melendez taught me how to be a leader and how to push myself past my limits. Mrs. Bransford and Coach Tracy Biggs were more than teachers to me, they were almost parental figures. They taught me the importance of respect and were there for me in my developmental years. I will never forget Coach Biggs pulling up to my driveway at 5 a.m. to go lift before school when I didn't want too.

I decided to try and play football for the first time my freshman year of high school. This ended quickly on the first day of full pads when I shattered my hip and had to have reconstructive surgery. A year or so later, my sister, Gray, started playing volleyball; her coach was Linda Gomez, Johnny Gomez's mom. Thank you Johnny for introducing me to the game I love and so much more.

For two years my mom would pick me up from school after soccer practice, and drive Gray and little brother, Niko, an hour and a half to Orlando for volleyball practice. This was the nearest city with men's volleyball. Eventually, my family decided to move to Orlando to be closer to volleyball. To Niko: thanks for being such a trooper. I realize now how much you gave up so that Gray and I could go chase our dreams. I'll never be able to repay you or get that time back, but I promise I won't forget your sacrifice. To my sister Gray, thanks for always pushing me to be better, in school, life and volleyball. To my Mom, Victoria, I can't put into words all you have sacrificed for our family. Your compassion and love never wavered in stormy seas. You kept me focused on what was important and never gave up on me. To my Dad, Mark, you were at every game possible and were always there to help me learn from the losses and celebrate the victories. I'll never forget looking up in the stands and always seeing you with two thumbs up and a smile on your face. Your support was truly endless and I can't thank you enough. I know it wasn't easy to let us move farther away from you for volleyball, but I hope we can look back now and believe it was all worth it. Everything I am, I owe to my family.

In Orlando I meet some amazing coaches; Ashley Schinzing, Tom Snodgrass, Robbie Rowe and Mike Iandolo. I can't than them enough for putting up me and deciding not to cut a kid who passed his first ball with his chest instead of his arms. My strong foundation as a volleyball player gave me the essential tools I needed to be successful at the Division I level.

Fred Chao gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to play at George Mason University. When other schools didn't want to recruit an undersized outside/libero, Fred was willing to take a chance and devote the time in order to take my game to the next level. Thank you Fred and Eli Poor for all the encouragement, lessons, and memories. What drew me to George Mason more than anything was the team chemistry that the men's volleyball team had. I understood that I was not only choosing where I wanted to go to school, I was also choosing a new family for the next couple of years.

The culture that Fred had built was unmatched to any school I visited. As a freshman, the upperclassmen were my role models. They instilled in me the virtues of hard work and grit. Thank you, Paco Velez, Hunter Stevens, Graham Gresham, Jack Wilson, Dom Edgley, Robbie Stoeckinger, Jonathan Lutz, Dave Lucas, and Joe Norman. You guys impacted me greatly. You turned "the boy" into a man and truly taught me how to grind.

To Jackson Carr, you are the most selfless person I've ever met. Without this friendship, this journey wouldn't hve been the same."

Naturally, from year to year, the team dynamic would change with the departure of players as well as coaches along with new recruits. I learned change takes time to get used to but isn't always bad.

When Jay Hosack came and took over the program, he never complained about the players he was stuck with, he embraced us and believed that Mason was the "sleeping giant." Thank you, Jay for believing in us and teaching me its more important to be a better man than a volleyball player. With Jay guiding the ship, the 2016 team was able to accomplish something that my teammates before me were unable to do so by winning an EIVA Championship. Joe Norton, you have been a blessing to have these past three years. I can't thank you enough for sharing your wisdom and overall positive outlook on life to me. Jharred Tulloch, thank you for devoting your time and energy to this program, you helped get me through this year. To both Jharred and Joe, some of my favorite memories will be finding the countless errors in video, working in practice to improve on them, and then executing on the court. Never lose your guys' attention to detail and passion for the game. Eric Johnson, thank you for your sacrifice, constant support and never letting me forget that "it's all about the process".

I could never forget to thank my athletic trainers; Joey Sierzega, Justin Fegley, Danielle Saltarelli, Alex Milton. You guys consistently did everything you could to keep me healthy and keep my spirits high. You all are arguably my most valuable asset these past five years. Thank you for everything.

To Bob/Linda Crites, Craig/Sherry Beyers, Diane Williams and all of our fans: Thank you for constantly supporting us in both our victories and losses, donating to our program and driving to catch every game possible as well as taking photos. It always brought a smile to my face to see you in the stands. I know that long after I hang up my shoes for good, I will have friends in you.

To my fellow captains Johnny Gomez and Brian Negron: We were in a unique position to have an impact and leave a mark on this program forever, which we did. I'm walking away knowing that we gave it our all and have no regrets. You two pushed me every single day. Thank you.

To the rest of the guys, I have been a part of a team for as long as I can remember, and facing the real world next year without you guys in my huddle is going to be weird, but I know you will only be a phone call away. I will cherish the memories and sacrifices we made for each other for the rest of my life. Now lets go get that trophy and bring it to the Coop!

It's been an honor Mason Nation.