Rainbows looking to reload in hurry with recruits

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

While second-ranked Hawai'i is intent on getting all it can out of a Western Athletic Conference volleyball season where it might never lose a game, let alone a match, the rest of the conference is contemplating next year when the Rainbows lose seven seniors.

Even UH coach Dave Shoji, in Idaho for tonight's match at Boise State, admits the WAC "will be much more interesting" — and he knows what he has coming in.

Castle graduate Juliana Sanders, a 6-foot-2 middle, is already on the roster as a walk-on. "Juliana just has tons of potential," says Shoji, who first saw her at his camp two years ago. "She's got size and a good arm swing. She just needs to play more and get much stronger."

Sanders will join redshirt Kari Gregory, a 6-3 middle, on scholarship next season. Melody Eckmier, another 6-3 middle, will be the team's sole senior.

Redshirt walk-ons Raeceen Woolford and Katie Carlson will join sophomore Ashley Watanabe in the race to land Melissa Villaroman's libero position. Others might be on the way.

Front-row players from the middle of the Mainland are absolutely on the way.

Tara Hittle, a 6-foot hitter from Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, Jessica Keefe, a 6-2 hitter for Ames High School (Iowa), and Nickie Thomas, a 6-3 middle blocker from Westwood in Austin, Texas, have all verbally committed to UH. They expect to send over letters of intent during the early signing period next month.

Shoji, who cannot comment on the recruits until they sign, says he will probably save one or two scholarships for the following year, or even later.

"Otherwise that class will be too top heavy," he said. "We don't want to be in that situation again."

Shoji's priority in recruiting for next season was athleticism. "Then we have something to work with," he said. He hopes "one or two" recruits can start next fall, to supplement his 11 returning players.

The only returning starter will be setter Kanoe Kamana'o, who is a freshman. Hitters Alicia Arnott and Susie Boogaard are "penciled in" as starters, Shoji said.

Hittle, a libero early in her career, was the only junior on Colorado's all-state team last fall. Doherty is currently 14-1 and ranked No. 1 in its division. Hittle picked Hawai'i over Michigan State before making an official visit, and also talked to UC-Santa Barbara, Florida State and Georgia.

When she finally saw the team in person last month, and the diversity of the state, "I really didn't want to come home."

"I'd heard a lot about Hawai'i having so many people at its matches and the volleyball players were pretty much famous, which is kinda cool," Hittle said. "And I really liked that Dave is relaxed in his coaching. I don't like coaches to yell at me all the time."

Hittle and Keefe are both all-league basketball players. Keefe, converting from middle to outside, was a third-team all-state volleyball selection as a junior.

She will make her official visit next week, but committed verbally last spring, hooked by the fan support, coaching and "great scenery." She was also recruited by Oregon, Oklahoma and Cal.

One other element figured into Keefe's decision — the seven seniors. "Obviously those players are invaluable to the program," she said. "They leave a big hole. Somebody has to fill it. It's exciting to know you're stepping into a completely different team."

Thomas, anxious to enjoy her senior year, made up her mind in March after talking with USC, Nebraska and Florida. The all-district middle was enticed by Shoji's 28-year streak of success, being recognized on the street during her recruiting visit, and the dedication she found in the players.

"There is a really, really strong competitiveness there," Thomas said, "and I am one of the most competitive people in the world. I really want to win."

So does Shoji, now and later.

"We want to be competitive next year," he said. "I don't think we can put up the kind of numbers we are now early in the season, but I like our chances to develop as a team with what we know is coming in."

QUICK SETS: Freshman Katie Carlson, one of 18 on the UH roster, turned 18 Sunday. Senior Maja Gustin turns 24 Saturday.

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8043