Toiaivao rebounds nicely

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

In her highly successful first two months of college basketball, Hawai'i's Alofa Toiaivao has gained many fans, but none more devoted than her father, Wayne, who proudly wears Rainbow Wahine clothing in their Utah hometown.

A emotional talk with her dad convinced Alofa Toiaivao that Hawai'i was where she belonged. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

In a heart-to-heart telephone conversation, Wayne Toiaivao told his daughter not to worry, to remain with first-year UH coach Jim Bolla, and to make him proud.

"I told her if you really want to help dad feel better, then do your best over there," the father said. "Stay over there. Get your education and help your school and your team.

"She cried and said she wanted to come home. I told her no. I'm OK. I'm glad that she made the decision to stay."

In her first season, Toiaivao has sparked several victories with strong performances off the bench. The 6-foot-4 sophomore center has also emerged as one of Hawai'i's most popular players with her all-around ability and humble attitude.

Toiaivao and the 'Bows begin the Western Athletic Conference season by hosting Fresno State at 7 tonight at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Recently, Toiaivao reunited with her father when she returned home during the Christmas break.

"I told her it makes me feel better when I hear she's doing well in school," Wayne Toiaivao said. "It automatically brings my strength back. I want her to do well for her future and her school."

And she has been, averaging 11.4 points and a team-leading 2.9 blocks and 8 rebounds per game. She averages 25.6 minutes per game, and has earned all-tournament honors in two of Hawai'i's three preseason tournaments this season.

Toiaivao sat out last year to fulfill academic requirements and missed playing with her cousin April Atuaia, who completed her eligibility last season.

"It was really hard watching the team," Toiaivao said. "I came down to play with my cousin, April. So it was kind of hard. But I'm glad to play again with the team."

Toiaivao credited her parents, Wayne and Margaret, and former UH associate head coach Da Houl for the opportunity to play at Hawai'i. Houl recruited her out of Brighton High School, where she made the honor roll as her parents kept her focused on academics.

Toiaivao said several colleges expressed interest in her, including California, San Jose State, Santa Barbara and Arizona State. Hometown schools such as Brigham Young and Utah State also inquired.

Toiaivao, who was an all-state volleyball player as a sophomore and junior at Hunter High, said she thought about trying out for Rainbow Wahine volleyball team, but changed her mind after seeing the team's high talent level.

"Volleyball was my best sport," said Toiaivao, who is of Samoan ancestry. "But, you know how Samoans grow. They get strong. So I chose basketball. I was kind of too big for volleyball."

This season, Toiaivao and sophomore starter Brittany Grice (5.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks per game) give Hawai'i a talented one-two punch at the center position.

Bolla said Grice wears down opponents and when Toiaivao enters the game, "we got a fresh Alofa coming in there against a player who has played four or five minutes." The Grice-Toiaivao combination also creates matchup problems when Hawai'i switches players, Bolla said.

Grice, who is an All-WAC academic honoree, said she admired Toiaivao's determination in the classroom.

"Last year, she had to do something that was really difficult — sit out the whole year after wanting to play so badly," Grice said. "I think she took her lumps last year. You want to do the same for her and support her because she always supported you and the team. She's doing great."

The great news has reached Utah, where the Toiaivaos follow their daughter's games on the Internet. They've also become Rainbow Wahine fans.

"Not too many Utah players come to play for the University of Hawai'i," said Wayne Toiaivao, who originally wanted his daughter to attend college in Utah. "I'm a University of Hawai'i fan now. I'll be wearing a Wahine shirt and cap around here now."

Notes

Alofa Toiaivao's full first name is Alofaaga, which means to "spirit of love."

'Aiea graduate Aritta Lane plays for Fresno State and averages 11.3 ppg and a team-high 6.6 rpg.

Former UH player Christen Roper graduated this month and signed to play professional basketball in Portugal, according to her father Bob. Her season begins Jan. 3.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2458.