3 Wahine get pro deals

A month after finishing their University of Hawai'i careers, Lauren Duggins, Lily Kahumoku and Kim Willoughby, from left, will play professional volleyball abroad. Advertiser library photos

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former University of Hawai'i women's volleyball players Kim Willoughby, Lily Kahumoku and Lauren Duggins have accepted professional offers to play overseas, according to UH coach Dave Shoji.

Willoughby, the national Player of the Year, will play in Puerto Rico, and Kahumoku and Duggins will play in Russia, Shoji said. Kahumoku was a two-time first-team All-American and Duggins was a third-team All-American.

The three players were instrumental in Hawai'i's run at its fifth national title this season. Hawai'i lost to Florida in the NCAA semifinals last month.

"I don't think there was any question that Kim and Lily were going to get professional opportunities," said Shoji, who added the group will be leaving in a few days. "For Lauren, I think it's a great opportunity. For her, I thought that was a surprise, and I think she's excited about it."

Willoughby's decision to play professionally will likely mean that she won't able to compete for a roster spot at this year's Olympics on Aug. 13-29, in Athens, Greece, according to a USA Volleyball official.

"Everybody is talking about the Olympics, but the Olympics is not a dream goal for me," Willoughby said. "I mean (the Olympics is) great. It's the highest level you can accomplish in volleyball, but it's not something that I have to do or my life is over."

Tom Pingel, Director of USA Volleyball High Performance National Programs, said USA Volleyball is preparing to play without Willoughby, a three-time All-American. Incoming college players, such as Willoughby, must report to Colorado next week for practice if they intend to compete for the national team, he said.

"As far as we know, Kim is going to Puerto Rico and playing for the team there," Pingel said. "We certainly would have liked to see her come in and take a shot. We're going with the idea she's not coming here."

Shoji said Willoughby's decision to play professionally "might be the best route for her to make a living at the sport."

"Everybody has the Olympics as a dream, but in reality, you have to take care of yourself to live," Shoji said. "So I just wish her well, and I hope she's chosen the best route which will be determined in the future."

Willoughby said she hasn't signed a pro contract yet, but added, "I have no desires of changing my mind.

"I'm not trying to play volleyball for the rest of my life. If that means I go to play on a professional team for three months out of a year, that's fine with me."

Shoji said the three players plan to graduate after they complete their professional obligations. Willoughby declined to give details of her professional offer. Shoji said he didn't know the details of the offers tended to Kahumoku and Duggins. Both could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Wade contacted by UNLV: UH assistant coach Charlie Wade yesterday confirmed that UNLV has contacted him about the women's volleyball head coaching position that was held by former UH All-American Deitre Collins, who resigned in December.

"I've had conversation with (UNLV), but I know they have talked with several people from around the country," Wade said. "I would always look at an opportunity that would better me professionally and personally. If it was something that me and my wife would be comfortable with, I would certainly listen to anybody that was making a serious offer."

Wade leaves next week for Russia and will work as a paid volleyball consultant for the Samorodok team that played the Rainbow Wahine in 2002. Wade said he will evaluate the league and act as a liaison to get U.S. players on Russian teams. He said he will also look to recruit for UH in Russia.