Watch the video >>>
During a great freshman season for the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors men's volleyball team, Tread Rosenthal turned heads with his standout performances, earning the prestigious Big West Freshman of the Year award.
But for Rosenthal, being an exceptional athlete goes beyond individual accolades. It’s about making a lasting impact on the team and contributing to their success.
As he prepares for the postseason after a stellar sophomore campaign, Rosenthal is fully aware of his role as a leader on the team. The guidance and mentorship he received from seasoned players during a first collegiate season have been instrumental in a rapid development process.
“I think I just built it over time with the older guys,” Rosenthal said. “I think a lot of it coming into this year is just being consistent and stepping into a little bit more of a leadership role, which I learned a lot from the last year's guys like Speros (Chakas) and Chaz (Galloway).”
With these valuable lessons in tow, Rosenthal is ready to take on the challenge of leading the team to victory from the crucial setter position, where the Austin, Texas, native is ranked fourth nationally in assists per set.
These accolades, however, are not just a testament to Rosenthal’s individual talent, but also to the strength of the entire team.
“It just goes to prove that our whole team is doing their job pretty well,” Rosenthal said. “I think it just shows how good our team is. I'm not the guy putting the balls down. I just hope I get it to our big guns.”
As Rosenthal and his teammates gear up for The Hawaiian Islands presents the 2025 Outrigger Big West Men's Volleyball Championship, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The team has been hard at work, ironing out any kinks during practices and preparing to give it their all on the court.
“It's been good,” Rosenthal said. “We've had a few practices this week ironing some things out from last week, but I don't know, everyone's pretty excited for this week, they've been energetic practices for sure.”
The dedication and enthusiasm of the team are undeniable, and they are ready to leave it all on the court in pursuit of victory.
The competitive edge
Rosenthal’s journey as a setter for the US junior national team has played a significant role in shaping a competitive mindset.
Competing at the World Championships in Argentina not only provided him with invaluable experience but also allowed him to forge connections with fellow athletes, including UH freshmen Kristian Titriyski and Adrian Roure.
These experiences have fueled Rosenthal’s drive to excel in collegiate volleyball and have been instrumental in overall growth on the court.
“I will say a big help towards going into last year was getting to play at the World Championships,” Rosenthal said. “We played Kristian and Adrian, I got to see a little bit of them. Just kind of coming to this year that helped knowing them from a while ago, USA has been really big for me.”
The decision to bring his talents to Hawai'i was influenced by a variety of factors. The team’s potential for the future, coupled with the opportunity to play in front of passionate fans, played a significant role in Rosenthal’s choice.
The unique atmosphere and support that Hawaii offers was a drive for Rosenthal to be a part of that special experience.
“I think the team that I saw for the future was really bright,” Rosenthal said. “The potential of Hawai'i, playing in front of the fans here, is one of the best things that you can have in a volleyball career. I think it's very special to me.”
Family ties
Being part of an athletic family has played a significant role in Rosenthal’s competitive edge. With a father who played in the NFL, a mother and two sisters who are accomplished volleyball players themselves, Rosenthal was surrounded by a wealth of talent and inspiration that has . fueled the drive to success.
“It's really good to have people that can compete with you,” Rosenthal said. “I had a call with my sister earlier today. We were both talking about our rankings and just kind of talking trash to each other. It helps to have someone to fight against with stuff like that.”
Rosenthal’s early exposure to volleyball, thanks to family, allowed for a head start in the sport, allowing the opportunity to develop skills and passion from a young age.
As Rosenthal looks to the future, the goals remain centered around team success. Winning the National Collegiate Championship is the ultimate objective, not just for him, but for the entire team. They share a common focus and determination to achieve greatness together.
“It's just a team goal,” Rosenthal said. “We want to win in NCAA. I think that's for everyone in the country; that's our main focus for the next few years.”
With their eyes set on the prize, Rosenthal and the 'Bows are ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead to keep making their mark - starting with the 2025 conference postseason.