Trinity's Narimatsu reaps volleyball honors
By Dennis Anderson
Advertiser Staff Writer
Adapting from large-high school to small-college volleyball at Trinity Christian College near Chicago was no problem for Jennifer Narimatsu, a 2001 Moanalua graduate.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
In her sophomore season, setter Narimatsu was selected second-team National Christian College All-American, made the all-tournament team at the national championships, and was all-Chicagoland Conference and NAIA all-region.
Moanalua High graduate Jennifer Narimatsu wishes her Trinity Christian College friends would acquire a taste for local foods such as kaki mochi.
Dealing with outsiders' perceptions of Hawai'i was another matter.
"They ask me all these dumb questions," Narimatsu said. "Do you have cars in Hawai'i? Is there a certain type of Hawaiian car?"
She added: "They're not open to change. Like eating Spam, or cuttlefish or kaki mochi. Some were scared to even try. They would get grossed out and walk away."
Narimatsu likes the small classes and friendly professors on the 750-student campus an hour south of Chicago, but other aspects of small-college life have been a turnoff. "Everybody is in your business," she said.
Narimatsu found Trinity Christian on the Internet with the help of Moanalua coach Sheri Sagayaga. She decided to go there before she made a visit. "I wanted to go to a Christian school, and they gave me some money for volleyball," she said.
She averaged 10.55 assists per game in a 5-1 offense the past season and led her team in aces.
"We hope to get her more vocal," coach Sue Gasperec said.
About volleyball, that is.
NOTE: Junior Kyle Webb (Lutheran '00 of Hawai'i Kai), a transfer from the University of Hawai'i, is on the Trinity Christian men's volleyball team.
