Running back Tetairoa McMillan, a score machine for Servite High school.
Athletic career He has an extraordinary polyathletic career specializing mainly in volleyball and football. He actually dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player in the MLB. Now, he’s become one of the best wide receiver prospects in the country. His story includes incredible success on the court in volleyball. During the season, he tied the school record for the most kills in a match and helped lead his team to the California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section semifinals.
During a pivotal third playoff game in 2022, McMillan put on a dominant display. He tied Servite’s record for most kills in a game, hauling in a ridiculous 36 kills. This accomplishment puts him in elite company, joining Madison Hayden, another Servite star who played at Stanford. McMillan exhibited his tremendous volleyball talent during his high school career. His combination of raw athleticism and basketball IQ always created an intimidating presence for his opposition on the court.
The COVID-19 pandemic made things difficult for all athletes, perhaps especially for this class. When faced with having to cut one sport during the 2020-21 school year, McMillan decided to prioritize volleyball over basketball. While unexpected at first, this decision ended up being serendipitous for his athletic journey. He clearly burned a lot of calories that summer; he refined his craft on the basketball floor. Meanwhile, he was a key figure in guiding the Friars during a historic playoff run, including an unforgettable semifinal win over Huntington Beach.
“It wasn’t no scrubs. A lot of the people I played with or played against are all playing Division I right now.” – Tetairoa McMillan
McMillan’s skills on the volleyball court certainly did not slip under the radar. Those close to the game—coaches and teammates alike—knew what the 17-year-old was capable of. Miguel Monterola, who has witnessed McMillan’s growth, noted that if he had committed fully to volleyball, he could have become one of the best outside hitters in the country. His talent was matched only by an engaging personality that made him one of the most popular figures in the volleyball community. From UCLA setter Andrew Rowan to his willingness, that was how much respect McMillan demanded from his fellow athletes.
During this year’s run with Orange Coast Volleyball Club (OCVC), McMillan became the catalyst for his team’s championship run. In July 2018, under his guidance, they brought home the 14U to the USA Volleyball boys’ junior national championship. This experience cemented his status as an exceptionally skilled volleyball player and demonstrated his capacity to change the game for the better.
Although McMillan ultimately found success in volleyball, he for a long time saw his future playing baseball. Growing up in Hawai’i, he began playing shortstop and third base when he was five years old. By 12 though, he turned his priorities toward baseball. At 14, that’s when he really got serious about jumping into football. This transition freed him to find other avenues of athletic expression, as he continued to hone his physical flora and fauna.
“If he continued to play volleyball, he probably could’ve gone all the way.” – Paka Dutro
McMillan’s agility and leaping ability earned him the nickname “Flyin’ Hawai’ian” from his coaches. This moniker represented not just his immense physical gifts but his fiery, competitive nature. His versatility as an athlete clearly showed even outside the sport of volleyball. His brilliant performances as a stretch guard and pass-first facilitator in basketball demonstrated prowess beyond the court.
As he moved through each sport at Servite, he loved the flexibility to play multiple sports without limitations. This environment cultivated his competitive spirit and gave him license to agree to play any game he was able to play. His tenacity in seeking out greatness has earned him the respect of coaches and teammates both.
“Everything is easy for him.” – OC Buckeyes coach Les Fifita
McMillan’s transition to football has been equally successful, if not more so. His physicality and athleticism made him such an intimidating presence on the field. His former teammates and coaches have told stories of times when his unmatched talent took the breath from their lungs. Matt Martinez described it as “comical” to go against McMillan across the net during volleyball games. He made the point that McMillan was always toying with his opponents.
That change in sports didn’t really take the edge off McMillan’s competitive spirit. He practiced his craft on the gridiron and earned an extraordinary influence. His unique blend of size, speed, and skill set immediately established him as a generational top prospect. His success is a testament to what dedication and multifaceted talent can accomplish in a range of different sports.
Leave a Reply