Blocking the best: Inside Ayala graduate, volleyball player Blake Frausto鈥檚 game
CHINO HILLS, Calif. — 2026 Ayala High School graduate Blake Frausto leaves behind a legacy of growth and impact on the volleyball court. In just two years on the varsity team, Blake developed into a key contributor, earning Second Team All-League honors and a spot on the All-Star Team. Now, as he begins his next chapter, Blake plans to continue his athletic journey on the football field at Citrus College, bringing with him the same work ethic and competitive drive that defined his high school career.
Blake, an 18-year-old right-side hitter who wore number 18, first found his way to volleyball through the encouragement of friends. 鈥淢y friends definitely inspired me to try this sport because they were the ones who told me to join,鈥� he said. What started as a simple suggestion quickly became a passion that helped shape his senior year and beyond.
On the court, Blake embraced one of the most demanding positions in volleyball. The right side hitter is responsible for blocking the opposing team鈥檚 strongest attacker while also contributing offensively. 鈥淩ight side is one of the team鈥檚 primary blockers going against the opponent鈥檚 strongest hitter,鈥� Blake explained. 鈥淵ou also swing the ball and score points, and sometimes serve as a back-row hitter.鈥� It is a role that requires strength, timing, and confidence, all of which Blake developed through consistent effort.
His transition from middle blocker to right side was not easy. 鈥淢y biggest challenge was getting used to the different timing of the right side,鈥� Blake said. 鈥淚 managed this by continuing to practice and walking through the motions.鈥� That commitment to improvement paid off, helping him become one of the team鈥檚 most reliable players.
Blake鈥檚 competitive mindset became one of his defining traits. 鈥淚 like that I go against the other team鈥檚 best hitter,鈥� he said. That willingness to take on tough matchups pushed him to elevate his game and consistently perform under pressure.
According to his coach, Brandy Townsell, Blake鈥檚 ability to deliver in key moments set him apart. 鈥淚 think Blake鈥檚 biggest accomplishment is being able to consistently make big plays for his team all season,鈥� Townsell said. His consistency and effort made him a player his teammates could depend on.
One of Blake鈥檚 most memorable moments came in a high-stakes match against San Dimas. 鈥淢y middle and I got two back-to-back blocks to shut out the game,鈥� Blake recalled. Coach Townsell shared that same moment as a highlight. 鈥淲e were in a tight game and managing a lot of adrenaline because we needed the win,鈥� she said. 鈥淏lake remained calm and put up a huge block against their best player, which gave us the momentum we needed to win.鈥�
That ability to stay composed reflects the mindset Blake carries both on and off the court. He is guided by a quote from Winston Churchill: 鈥淪uccess is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.鈥� Blake explained, 鈥淓ven though there is failure, you need to keep your head high and power through it. As long as you can do that, you will be successful in life.鈥�
Preparation and discipline have been key to his development. Before games, Blake focuses on staying relaxed and mentally ready. 鈥淚 usually listen to music and try to relax my body,鈥� he said. In training, his work ethic stood out. 鈥淏lake would always give one hundred percent in training,鈥� Townsell said. 鈥淗e never cheats a workout, never slows down before finishing a run, and always holds himself accountable as well as his teammates.鈥�
Beyond his individual achievements, Blake values the connection the sport brings. 鈥淚 love that you can just go to a park or the beach and play,鈥� he said. For him, volleyball is about more than competition. It is about relationships and shared experiences.
Blake credits much of his motivation to his family. He is supported by his mom, Corrie, and his dad, Anthony, who have encouraged him throughout his journey. 鈥淢y dad definitely inspires me to keep pushing and to not let things get to me,鈥� he said. That support has helped him stay focused and grounded.
Coach Townsell added, 鈥淏lake has grown so much over the past two years, not just as a volleyball player but as a leader,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e will do whatever needs to be done for the betterment of his team. It has been a pleasure being able to coach such a great young man.鈥�
He also finds inspiration in professional athletes like Isiah Pacheco. 鈥淲hat he went through and how he used that to persevere is amazing,鈥� Blake said. That example reinforces his belief in pushing through adversity and staying committed to growth.
Off the court, Blake stays active and busy. He enjoys playing video games, collecting Legos, exploring new places, and working on his truck. 鈥淚t is hard for me to just stay at home and do nothing,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nything I do I take as a challenge.鈥� That competitive nature carries into every aspect of his life.
In the classroom, Blake enjoys history. 鈥淚 like to learn about past events that shaped where we are today,鈥� he said. Looking ahead, he plans to study fire science while attending Citrus College, where he will also continue playing football.
Family remains central to Blake鈥檚 life. He lives at home with his parents, Corrie and Anthony, along with his 16-year-old sister, Carsyn. His older sister, Ashley, is 28 and lives in San Francisco. At home, he also spends time with his two dogs, Bella and Daisy. When asked to describe himself, Blake said, 鈥淚 would describe myself as positive, athletic, and generous.鈥�
As Blake moves forward from Ayala High School, he leaves behind more than just awards. He leaves a legacy of effort, resilience, and leadership. Whether competing in football at Citrus College or pursuing his future career, Blake approaches everything with determination and purpose.
鈥淚 like to stay busy,鈥� Blake said. 鈥淲hether it is football, volleyball, working on my truck, or work, I am always doing something.鈥� That mindset will continue to guide him as he takes on new challenges and opportunities ahead.
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