Recruit's injury stuns Stanford

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

SHAW

"I've been dealing more with the tragedy than preparing for Hawai'i," said Shaw, referring to a freak accident that left one of his top recruits partially paralyzed and in serious condition in a Tucson, Ariz., hospital. "Life is much more important than playing in a volleyball match."

Last Friday, Tucson High's Joe Kay, who also plays basketball, was injured when he was trampled by celebrating fans following a basketball victory over Salpointe Catholic High.

"When he got under the pile, he broke his jaw and injured his (left) carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain," Shaw said.

The injured artery, Shaw said he was told, led to a stroke, which left Kay partially paralyzed on his right side.

Shaw said he learned of the accident Monday while reading a volleyball message board on the Internet.

"We're stunned, and I know our guys are distraught," Shaw said. "He's a great kid and a super guy."

Shaw said he met Kay when he attended Stanford's volleyball camp last summer. Kay took an official recruiting trip to Stanford in October. In November, he signed a national letter of intent to play for the Cardinal during the 2004-2005 academic year.

"Our players spent a great deal of time with him (during the recruiting visit)," Shaw said. "They really got to know him."

At 6 feet 6 and with a quick vertical jump, "he would have helped us (next season)," Shaw said.

NCAA Division I men's volleyball teams are limited to offering the financial equivalent of 4.5 scholarships each year. Shaw said Kay was promised a partial scholarship when he signed — a commitment Stanford will honor.

If Kay cannot resume his volleyball career, Stanford will seek a medical hardship, which will allow the athletic department to pay for Kay's scholarship.

"Even if he can't play, we're hoping he can be here and get his Stanford education," Shaw said. "A full recovery would be awesome. But at this point, being able to swallow and sit up in bed would be a major accomplishment. When you put it into that perspective, it changes your outlook on the overall importance of athletic competition."

Shaw said Stanford's practices this week "have not been great. ... This situation is tragic. We're trying to be supportive and be there any way we can."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.