Saleaumua won't play for Hawai'i

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

Jennifer Saleaumua, the nation's high school volleyball player of the year last season, has decided not to come to the University of Hawai'i, her aunt said last night.

Saleaumua was the Wahine's sole recruit for this season, but is still home in San Diego.

Carolyn Taeatafa-Hudson, Saleaumua's aunt and coach at Bonita Vista High School, said her niece decided not to come to UH a few days ago. Taeatafa said Saleaumua has been diagnosed with a reading disability and is not yet academically eligible.

"I think her plans are to continue taking the (ACT) test and see what her options are," said Taeatafa, who played for UH in 1988. "Then she hopes to go somewhere in January."

UH coach Dave Shoji said he could not comment until he heard from Saleaumua. His 10th-ranked team is three weeks into its season. This is the last week students can enroll at UH.

Taeatafa did not know why her niece decided not to pursue her options at Hawai'i.

Saleaumua committed to UH during last year's early signing period, after verbally committing to Arizona. She went on to lead Bonita Vista to the mythical national championship, and slammed a national-record 57 kills in the state final.