ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Matt Corrales

Olympia High senior Matt Corrales was one of 13 players county-wide selected to represent Orange County in the senior all-star volleyball game May 11. Corrales had six kills, four aces and three blocks for the Orange County team in a 3-0 win over Seminole County.

Tell us about your experience in the All-Star game.

I always grew up in high school watching the seniors go off and play and represent our school as one of the best players in Orange County, and for me to be chosen to play on that team was awesome. It was fun playing with all of my friends from other schools, because they also play on my club team. It was a good environment being there with other people who know as much about volleyball as you do. 

What’s your favorite memory of your high-school sports career?

Probably beating Bishop Moore in the district championship this year. It was also the first time we’d ever beaten them in volleyball. It’s just been one of those goals I’ve had aside from winning states, which we couldn’t really do this year. 

Who would you say is your biggest inspiration in sports?

I follow the U.S. National Team, and my favorite player is Taylor Sander. He’s an outside hitter, and he played at BYU. He’s just a great all-around player, he’s young and it’s awesome to watch someone so good at volleyball because it makes me strive to be a better player.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, because it’s easy and fast to make, and it’s the best-tasting cereal out there.

If there was a movie about your life, who would play you?

Matthew McConaughey, because he’s such a witty and awesome person and very funny, which reflects me very well.

For which club team do you play?

Ashley Schinzing, the head coach here, got me into playing club at Orlando Gold. I left there for Ocean Bay Volleyball Club, and now I’m going to Toreros for my last club season before I go off to college.

What are your plans for after high school?

I’m going to Webber International University and majoring in sports management. I plan on coaching and contributing to our society, helping them become better volleyball players, using my knowledge to help others and hopefully be part of a team and have good players who will be able to coach in the future.

What’s your favorite play in volleyball?

Hitting an overpass, when the other team gets the first contact and they pass it too far over the net and I’m able to go up and hit it.