Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Cale Zeltwanger

Sarasota Christian boys volleyball (14-5) lost, 3-2, to Keswick Christian (8-12) in the FHSAA Class 1A-District 4 championship April 24, but it featured another winning performance by Cale Zeltwanger. The junior outside hitter notched 20 kills and 18 digs — both team highs — despite the Blazers' defeat. On the season, he boasts 271 receptions, 251 kills and 194 digs, which all rank as most among his teammates. Zeltwanger is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

What do you attribute your success to?

We're all buddies out there. We're all playing for each other, and volleyball is just really enjoyable. We've got a good, strong connection on who's getting the ball, when and where it's going — and to know when the ball is getting set to you or not.

What has this team focused on recently in practice for the postseason?

We're focused on the middle stuff in our game, where it's in-between free ball and serve/receive. We're all multi-sport athletes for the most part.

What were your goals entering this season?

I wanted to win the district championship. That was a big goal. Didn't get it done, sadly. I wanted to win a regional game, too, but I also wanted to have a really good record for the seniors.

When and why did you start playing volleyball?

When I came here my freshman year, and I heard they were thinking about starting a (boys) volleyball team. I had played volleyball before and was like, "That sounds amazing. I'm not doing a spring sport, so let's give her a try." I loved it — so fun. I actually started with a sprained right wrist my first year, so I played left-handed.

After all these years, why have you stuck with this sport?

Volleyball is fun. You just jump high, hit the ball hard (and) get mad.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I like to go scuba diving. Mainly down here, off the coast wherever.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Stephen Curry, 100%. Ever since I was little, I've seen him as a great shooter. He's a smaller guy, and when I was growing up, I wasn't the biggest. It was inspirational to see him be able to do so much even though he wasn't very big.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

Probably eggs, because you could do so much with it. You could have them in a casserole or scrambled or sunny side up.

What music gets you in the zone during practice or before a game?

I don't listen to any.

Finish this sentence. Cale Zeltwanger is...

Determined.