Kahumoku enrolls for spring semester

Advertiser Staff

Lily Kahumoku, the Wahine volleyball All-American who took a break in 2001, has filed her admission papers and $25 application fee. She should be officially enrolled for the spring semester at the University of Hawai'i by Monday.

Kahumoku told her team in August that she would be taking this season off to tend to personal matters. She has been living on the Mainland and was unavailable for comment yesterday.

As a sophomore last year, the Kamehameha Schools graduate helped the Wahine to the final four. Her absence forced Ha-wai'i to move all-conference middle blocker Maja Gustin outside with Kim Willoughby. The two provided nearly two-thirds of the UH offense, with Willoughby leading the country in kills, at more than seven a game.

Gustin said she has looked forward to the return of Kahumoku, one of her closest friends all season — and eagerly anticipated what her presence could mean.

"If we start everything in the spring with Lauren and I in the middle, Kim and Lily on the left ... I see that team and I see an amazing team," Gustin said. "It's fun to think about. And, it will be good to have Lily back, especially for me. I'm really excited about that because Lily is also such a wonderful person. She brings a lot of fun and laughs and good, positive energy."

Kahumoku, Willoughby and Gustin will all be juniors next fall. The Wahine return every starter from this year's 29-6 team. None of them seems to think Kahumoku will have a problem fitting back in.

"Lily is the type of person who will find a way to work hard and make sure she's in shape," UH setter Margaret Vakasausau said. "The girls are accepting and want her back as much as possible.

"What helps her is that she gets out there and helps us all play well. She's a fun person to have. We've missed her in the gym and in the vans. And to have two All-American outside hitters is very calming."

The Wahine also lost a player this week when Jennifer Saleaumua, the national high school player of the year in 2000, committed to Nebraska. Saleaumua initially chose Arizona, then signed a letter of intent with UH a year ago after visiting Nebraska.

Saleaumua, a 5-10 outside hitter, never made it to Hawai'i. She did not qualify academically and spent this semester home in San Diego, eventually becoming a full qualifier according to a published report. She plans to start school at Nebraska next month.