Success has been a 3-year constant for the University of Hawaii at Hilo volleyball program as two conference championships and a post-season appearance was enough for an NCAA Division I program to coax away its coach.
The Vulcans went back in time to find head coach Tino Reyes to tackle the challenge of solidifying Vulcans volleyball as a power on the court.
“I’d like to continue what has been done,” said Reyes. “They had three marvelous seasons here and I don’t see why we can’t continue that success.
“We loss two thirds of the offense… you’d think we’d be in a deficit. They had more than that on the team because the players returning are real nice players. That’s why I have real high hopes for this team.”
All-conference setter Katie Swenson was second in the nation in assists and assists per game. Keeping her at the level will first fall upon returning hitters Kawena Cubi-Otineru, Hillary Hurley and Leilani Ramsey. Along with Emily Tooker, the trio will be called upon to put up the block on defense while Shawna Kaiura will be wearing the off-jersey in the back row.
“We have ideas of who can play different positions but you also have to be willing to play it,” said Reyes. “I don’t know what the competition is like but our goal is to return to the Regional and go as far as we can.
“Being away from women’s volleyball for the past 17 years hasn’t helped in terms of knowing what our opponents are like or the style of play is.”
Their first challenge comes on Saturday, August 28 when they host an alumni headed by two-time Pacific West Conference Player of the Year Fabiane Seben. She’ll be joined by her teammates Josimara Pinheiro, Morgan Bonney and Kaniu Hernandez as well as a few other recent and not so recent graduates.