Two days later, Hout was at PAL practice with the Yees and thus began a love affair with the sport that has endured through this, her senior year at Moanalua High School.

"Volleyball is my whole life," said Hout, who will lead the Menehunes into tomorrow's state tournament in Pukalani, Maui. "It's the only sport I was introduced to, the only sport I've ever played. If it weren't for volleyball, I'd probably be a couch potato."

Instead, Hout has been a force in helping Moanalua become one of the state's top programs the past three years. As a three-year starter at outside hitter, the 5-foot-8 Hout has played a big role in the Menehunes going 35-6 in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association and reaching the league championship match in three consecutive seasons.

Moanalua, however, fell short all three times — including last week's 25-19, 25-17 loss to Kahuku.

"We really wanted this to be the year to finally take it," Hout said on Friday, the day after the defeat. "I felt like it was building up to lead to this."

The loss was particularly frustrating for Hout, a 2003 Advertiser All-State first-team selection who had 27 kills in a semifinal victory over Kalani but was held to four kills against Kahuku. But the pain was eased Friday afternoon when she returned to the court for practice.

"That made me feel better, seeing my teammates laughing and having fun at practice," Hout said. "That lifted my attitude a lot."

Throughout life's many ups and downs, it is volleyball that has been a constant spirit-lifter for Hout. The most significant time was 18 months ago, when her father, Bill, died of heart failure at age 60.

"It happened during our club season, and it really made me question if I wanted to play anymore," Hout said. "He's the one who signed me up for volleyball, and he took me to all my practices and tournaments, so it reminded me of him. It was hard not seeing him there."

That's when Yee — Hout's coach at Jammers Volleyball Club — convinced her that the sport eventually would soothe the hurt instead of intensify it.

"I still remember what she said," Hout recalled. "She said, 'Live for today.' She told me to take some time off, but to come back to volleyball because the world will still be turning."

Yee had persuaded Hout several times over the years to stick with the sport, as the lanky third-grader grew into a curious teenager and then a blossoming young lady.

"I believe that almost all of what you see in Danie now, volleyball has done that for her," Yee said. "She was one of the tallest kids but not that athletic, so everything she does now is because of hard work — tons of repetition. She was timid, but now I'm so proud of her because she's come out really strong and I've watched her grow through all the trials and pressures. Because she's so pretty, too, there's been a lot of jealous people ... but even though she's been through so much, she's still really sweet and humble and has a good head on her shoulders."

Menehunes coach Tommy Lake said during tryouts in August, he had to make cuts and called in all of the players one-by-one to give them the news.

"When Danie came over, she said, 'I hope I make it,' " Lake said. "I laughed, but she was genuine. She doesn't act like she's better than anyone else, and the other girls really like her. She's just a great kid."

Hout already has received a full scholarship offer from Azusa Pacific, but will wait to see if other offers materialize after a big club tournament in Las Vegas early next year.

In the meantime, she will continue playing the sport she loves with the passion that shows in her smile after every point.

"I think that's really important," Hout said. "If my teammates see me smiling, hopefully they can tune into that, too."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.