As one door closes, another one opens. After spending four unforgettable years at Malibu High School, Will Rosenthal will set sail on his new destination in life when he begins college in the fall at the University of Oregon. From the Shark attack down south to the quack attack up north, Rosenthal couldn’t be happier about where he has been and where he will be going.
“It’s really meant a lot. I can’t imagine leaving the Malibu bubble,” Rosenthal said. “I don’t know about real life yet or what it’s going to be like. But I can’t wait for Oregon. It’s going to be fun.”
Rosenthal will graduate from MHS on June 10. It will mark the conclusion of four years of sacrifice in the classroom, where he has achieved a cumulative 3.8 grade point average, as well as the dedication of four years playing sports. Rosenthal is the consummate student-athlete, having excelled in the classroom and in athletics.
“I have a lot of pride in that. It definitely means a lot to me,” Rosenthal said.
During his four years at Malibu High, Rosenthal took part in 11 seasons of sports, including all four years in basketball. During his junior and senior years, he played basketball, lacrosse and golf each year. All this despite taking three AP classes year-round and working at Salvation in Malibu.
“I love it. It’s not a burden on me. I love playing sports and without them my life would be completely altered,” Rosenthal explained. “Sports made me a better student. It kept me in line. Every single day I had a set plan.”
Rosenthal’s accomplishments in sports read like a “who’s who” resume.
On the hardwood, he was a member of the 2012 Frontier League basketball championship team where he was named All-League honorable mention. A year later, Coach Bobby Tenorio named him team captain and Rosenthal capped his senior season being selected to the Tri-Valley League second-team and chosen as Malibu’s defensive player of the year.
“Will was always committed to the team and was an awesome leader. He was a tough-nosed kid who always played hard,” said Tenorio of his three-year starter. “He’s a huge reason why we were so successful our championship season. He will be greatly missed.”
During the spring Rosenthal competed in lacrosse while finding time to play in four golf matches. Two very different sports that produced the same result: success. He was the low scorer in each of his golf matches. Last week, Rosenthal earned All- League first-team honors on defense for lacrosse. He also served as one of that team’s captains.
“It’s an honor. I couldn’t have asked for anything more this year,” said Rosenthal about lacrosse. “We finished terribly but it was the most fun I ever had in my life. I owe it all to my teammates and coaches. They made me the player I am today.”
“Will Rosenthal was an unquestionable leader on and off the field for Malibu lacrosse. He is a talented player who’s intense, yet whose positive attitude helped mold the team’s mindset all year,” Malibu coach Mark DeOliveira said. “Will was a coach on the field and earned the respect from not only his teammates but everyone in the league. His character will propel him to be very successful as he enters college in the fall.”
With competitive sports now over for the school year, Rosenthal feels like an incoming freshman again searching for his comfort zone. No practices, no games, no sports at all until intramurals at Oregon. When the school bell rings to end the day, Rosenthal looks around as if he has lost something.
“I have no idea what to do with my life right now. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life. It’s been weird,” Rosenthal said.
Rosenthal hopes to pursue a career in sports in the areas of media relations, journalism, marketing or advertising as he begins his next journey in life up at Oregon.
As he sat back and reflected upon his four years at MHS, Rosenthal was quick to point out where the credit was due. His parents, Laura and Walter, and his older brother, Joe, influenced him to be the successful young man he is today.
“My mom is the reason behind my success academically. She really motivated me. Without her, I feel like I would have no motivation to do anything. She keeps me striving to be successful for future things,” Rosenthal said. “My dad and brother taught me everything I know about sports.”