Leon works to lead Warriors volleyball to another championship

When Eric Leon heads to the University of San Diego this fall to begin the next phase of his life, he isn't sure if he will be playing volleyball, he said.

"I am uncertain of playing in college due to time management, but I would absolutely enjoy playing," the Fallbrook High School boys' varsity volleyball team's senior setter said.

If that's the case, the Toreros will be short a leader on their team.

"I couldn't ask for a better young man to lead this team," Warriors head coach Chip Patterson said.

That's why he nominated Leon for Athlete of the Week.

"Not only is he an outstanding and dedicated teammate, but truly a tremendous student with a GPA of 4.3," Patterson said. "He also gives himself to multiple student body events such as Hispanic Heritage Club and Principal Student Body Counsel. Eric gives all of his heart to family, friends, teammates, as well as his community. A true leader for others to emulate."

Patterson credited Leon's leadership with one of the reasons for the team's recent success.

"He's the team captain and a return three-year varsity player," Patterson said. "He's played a vital role in the continuous improvement in the Fallbrook boys' volleyball program. Last year, he was the starting setter and led the Warriors to its first boy's volleyball championship in the school's 127-year history and is on pace to make a repeat run back to another championship season."

Leon said he started playing volleyball his freshman year and praised his teammates for helping him love the sport.

"I wanted to get involved in a school activity and I found volleyball an amazing sport," he said. "My teammates are what make the sport such a fun activity. The fundamentals are very intriguing, but the chemistry of the team is what makes the sport so enjoyable."

Leon said his goal this season is to repeat as league champions and has a personal goal of improving his ball control.

His favorite personal memory as a volleyball player is "my first season because I had never enjoyed a sport so much like volleyball. Additionally, I am able to look back at my skills, and I am able to laugh but also notice my growth as a player."

His continued improvement helped him lead the Warriors to the CIF Division III CIF Championship match last year where the team fell to top-seeded Classical Academy.

He said that's his favorite memory as part of the team, "without a doubt."

At Fallbrook High, he said he is very involved in a school club called Club Futuro and his favorite subject is math, "because I love problem-solving."

And after college?

"My life career goal is to enter the political world and also own my own business," Leon said.

Jeff Pack can be contacted at [email protected].

Get to know Eric Leon

Favorite team?

"UCSD because it is a school I really like and it is the local team."

Favorite band/musical artist?

"I listen to music mainly in Spanish and my favorite artist is Romeo Santos."

Favorite TV show?

"Chicago Fire"

Favorite movie?

"Dumbo"