After getting his start in volleyball as a middle schooler, Orange Lutheran senior Tyler Irwin has grown to love the sport for the work ethic it requires and the sense of camaraderie it provides.
 
"I just love being part of a team, being a part of something greater than myself," says Irwin. "Just getting to see how all the hard work that not only I put in, but the rest of my team puts in, and just how that really comes together towards the season."
 
As a setter and a senior leader for OLu, Irwin is in a leadership role that allows him to push himself and his teammates to perform to the best of their abilities. The focus this season has been on working together to build chemistry and striving to be as unified as possible.

"I think leadership for me is really just sharing all the knowledge that I've gained through my six years of playing the sport," says Irwin. "And it's leading by example too…in a Christlike manner. It's about building that example for everyone else in our program."

As the Lancers prepare for CIF playoffs this week, Irwin is looking to leave a legacy in OLu's volleyball program both on and off the court.

"Tyler is one of the most coachable players that I have ever had in this program," says OLu boys volleyball head coach Henry Valiente. "He has a growth mindset in anything that he does, which causes him to improve very quickly. What separates Tyler from the rest is his humble attitude. Through all of his successes, he always keeps God at the forefront."
 
It took Irwin some time to find his voice on the court, and while he admits he is undersized for the setter position, the three-year varsity player has used that growth mindset to come into his own.

"Over the years I've really found that voice and that leadership role and really stepped into that," says Irwin. "I think being part of a team and seeing how I can rely on other people…really helps in that struggle. Learning how to have that attitude of being the best on the court and being the best that I can be, personally, helps that challenge too."

On campus, Irwin is a member of OLu's Global Citizens Pathway, a deeper learning opportunity for students who are passionate about becoming active and informed in the area of global citizenship, which aligns with his future goal of becoming a pastor.

"In representing OLu, I've really [been able to] take pride in the fact that I'm representing Christ every time I step on the court," says the 18-year old. "Seeing how OLu has instilled a lot of values in me, I want to continuing representing that throughout my life."

Playing his favorite sport for the Lancers alongside teammates who share a common ground in faith has made volleyball at OLu more than just a game.

"We know who we're playing for, and we have that ultimate purpose of playing for Christ," says Irwin. "At OLu, I've been in that environment of people who have wanted that same thing, so it's been cultivated throughout the program of this is how we all want to live. It's a common goal that we're all sharing, and that helps with our mindset too. We want to get better in every area of our life."
 
Irwin plans to stay local for college, majoring in either ministry or psychology and with the goal of playing volleyball at the next level. He is inspired by the leadership and guidance provided by Coach Valiente, and he is grateful for the support and motivation he has received from his parents in all aspects of his life.
 
"My parents have just really been encouraging to me," says Irwin. "Since I started playing the sport, they always give positive feedback and have really helped by encouraging me through every moment in my life."