Senior Spotlight: Faith, Football Inspire Mason Rothermel’s Call to Serve

Long before he was navigating the college football recruiting process, Mason Rothermel was a boy who knew he wanted to serve his country.

“When I would think about my future, I could see myself serving this nation and its people,” Rothermel said. “I didn’t necessarily know how, but I knew I was called to have compassion and give myself to others.”

That calling led him to the nation’s federal service academies.

The Tehachapi High School graduate and eldest sibling in his family will soon leave home for the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, where he will play football and prepare for a career of service. His “indoc day” is in early July.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that trains students for careers in maritime transportation, national security and military service. Graduates leave the academy as licensed Merchant Marine officers and are eligible to serve as commissioned officers in the armed forces. Midshipmen study marine engineering design, shipyard management, shipboard engineering operations, maritime business management, nautical science, and more.

For Rothermel, the opportunity is the culmination of a dream years in the making.

As a junior, Rothermel attended summer seminars at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy before visiting the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, where he was impressed by the close bond among midshipmen, staff and coaches.

“I understood that these academies take everything out of those who attend them and use it to mold them into the finest leaders in this nation who dedicate their lives to service,” he shared.

He received congressional nominations to West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy from Congressman Vince Fong, including designation as the principal nominee to West Point.

Rothermel learned the news during a weekend breakfast.

“I got a call from Congressman Fong, kind of out of nowhere, and he just flat out said it,” Rothermel said. “I was so happy. My mom was the first person I called.”

Despite having several prestigious college opportunities before him, Rothermel said the Merchant Marine Academy felt like the right fit.

“I am excited for all the challenges that the academy will throw at me because I know they will strengthen me, and I will grow into someone who can be effective, precise, and confident in all I do,” Rothermel shared.

Tehachapi High School Principal Cristina Libatique described Rothermel as a kind, responsible student whose self-discipline helped him excel in academics and athletics. She also recognized the rigorous evaluations of academic achievement, athletic ability, and moral character required to earn even one academy nomination.

So, it was no surprise to Libatique that Rothermel was drawn to an environment built on teamwork and shared purpose.

“He isn’t looking for the easiest road or the most glamorous spotlight; he is looking for the place where his discipline, work ethic, and desire to serve can make the greatest impact,” Libatique said.

Rothermel points to his signature on Tehachapi High School’s senior banner.

Rothermel’s senior portraits in cap and gown (LEFT) and with his guitar (RIGHT). Photos: Lily Wilsted.

Rothermel poses in front of Tehachapi High School’s athletic awards, a collection spanning decades.

Rothermel began playing football at age 5. After taking a two-year break, he returned to the game and eventually made it a defining part of his life. The perseverance and positive attitude he gained are qualities he plans to carry into his collegiate football career and future military service.

While Rothermel is proud of what he accomplished on the football field, the relationships and lessons learned through the sport are even more meaningful to him.

“The bond you build with those who you’ve collectively suffered with is unbreakable,” Rothermel said, reflecting on his high school football experience. “The guys who were next to me face down in the dirt holding planks, running hills, carrying weights for a mile and suited up on game day are the ones I call my brothers.”

He is excited for the challenges ahead and appreciative of the experiences that helped shape him along the way.

“I’ve grown so much in Christ throughout high school,” he said. “My walk in faith has not been an easy one, but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Rothermel emphasized that his success was not achieved alone, crediting the many people who sacrificed, supported, and believed in him along the way. He said he hopes to honor those efforts by serving others and making a positive impact on the lives of people who need support and advocacy.

“I’m very blessed with where I am, but this is just the beginning, and I cannot be more ecstatic for what lies ahead,” he said.