For Orange Lutheran senior Makalin Goehring, nothing defines team more than her experience playing volleyball. After joining a recreation league through her hometown of Yorba Linda, Goehring knew she had found her sport. “I love the team aspect of it,” says Goehring. “You literally can't do anything by yourself. There's always someone else helping you, and I just really like that.” The three-year varsity player is an outside hitter for the Lancers and also serves her team as a captain. Goehring feels that accountability is at the core of how she approaches leadership. “It's a lot of holding each other accountable and making sure that not only everyone's doing what they're supposed to be doing, but also elevating each other,” says Goehring. “And then off the court, it's more of being there for anyone that needs it. If anyone needs a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to, they can always come to you.” Goehring’s commitment to leading her teammates has made a strong impact on both her performance and her legacy within the program. Getting to a place where she sees consistency in her confidence has been a challenge, but she has worked diligently to keep humility at the forefront of her mental attitude. “Makalin Goehring is such an exceptional player and leader,” says OLu head volleyball coach Henry Valiente. “Her journey has been nothing but inspiring as she has improved both on and off the court. She has evolved into a great leader who keeps the team together. Not only does she have great athletic abilities, but it is the way she carries herself. She is passionate, yet humble throughout. Makalin is a shining star and an inspiration to future volleyball players.” As an athlete in a distinctly team sport, Goehring’s time on the volleyball court has shown her how to trust in the support of those around her. “It’s taught me that you can always ask for help because you can't do anything alone,” says the 17-year old. “You are always stronger with the team, and you are stronger with people that care about you.” Being a Lancer student athlete and wearing the cross on her back means representing her faith, and it is Goehring’s faith that has helped guide her through the ups and downs of competition. “I think [my faith] helps me not feel alone because we're all playing for the same thing,” says Goehring. “Being on the court can be really lonely if you're not doing well. So knowing that God's by your side, and you're standing under a cross when you play and your coach and your entire team on the bench are all playing for one thing and that’s God…it really helps.” When Goehring is away from the court, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up her favorite pasta dishes. She also loves to share her love of the game with the next generation of players by volunteering for youth volleyball camps, both at OLu and in the city of Yorba Linda. Goehring’s next steps include pursuing a career in the medical field alongside continuing to play volleyball at the collegiate level. And when it comes to role models, her mother serves as her greatest inspiration. “She's just my rock,” says Goehring of her mom. “She's always been super hard working, and she keeps Christ at the center of her life. Even if she's frustrated or has a bad day at work, she never brings that home to us. She leaves it at work, and then she comes home and she's happy to see us. It's just really nice.”