Kamehameha Schools junior Kanani Herring, The Advertiser's reigning two-time girls volleyball State Player of the Year, has made a verbal commitment to play for the University of Hawai'i starting in the fall of 2008.

Herring, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter who led the Warriors to the past two state championships and was named National Sophomore of the Year by PrepVolleyball.com, said she chose UH over NCAA semifinalists Washington and UCLA.

"It was just a matter of time, and I knew this decision was the right one because like they say, home is where the heart is," Herring said. "I want to be where my family is by my side."

Herring said although college coaches are not allowed to personally approach or visit juniors, the recruiting process still is intense and many juniors are making commitments this time of year.

"The pressure's on" to make a commitment, she said, because the number of available scholarships shrink before senior year.

High school athletes are not allowed to sign binding national letters of intent until November of their senior year.

"I'm relieved to take care of it now," Herring said. "I made my decision and I didn't want to wait (to make the commitment). Now I can enjoy the rest of my junior year and get ready for next season."

At 5-10, Herring is a couple inches shorter than the prototypical high-level NCAA Division I outside hitter, but that obviously did not scare off many recruiters. She said she can touch as high as 10 feet, 3 inches; the college volleyball net is 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches high.

"She plays so big," Kamehameha coach Chris Blake said. "She's so physical, but she also uses her skills well. She has great ball control and is a great player in the back row. In baseball, they would call people like her a 'five-tool player,' and that's what she is."

Blake said Herring offers more than just physical talent.

"She's a great teammate, and she's always worried about others," Blake said. "She's always willing to get her teammates involved and do whatever it takes to make the team better. She constantly works hard and is willing to go the extra mile."

Herring said colleges are not allowed to offer official recruiting visits to juniors, but juniors are allowed to make "unofficial visits" if they pay their own way. She visited Washington and UCLA.

"But I grew up here and I've always been a fan of UH and (head coach) Dave Shoji," Herring said. "It's where I best fit in."

Herring's club teammate, Liz Ka'aihue of Punahou, signed a letter of intent to play for Hawai'i this coming fall.

In last November's state championship match, Herring had 19 kills and 10 digs in a 35-37, 25-21, 25-21 victory over Punahou.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.