HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Mainland colleges are facing a shortage of liberal students, with many looking to the islands for help.
“Come to Hawaii, we got the libero for you,” said former Olympian and Spike & Surf founder Kevin Wong.
That trend was even more evident this year as three local standouts headed to DI colleges — also showcasing Hawaii’s “Heart Over Height” motto.
“In Hawaii, there are a lot of young athletes, so what happens is there’s huge competition to see who can be a starter on each team, so the ones that make it to the top, and the ones that survive, are tough,” Wong said. They are pessimistic and will not let any ball hit the ground.”
Moanalua junior Natalie Fukumoto was recently named to the All-OIA East first team, a position she didn’t even start at.
“I was an outside hitter, but of course the net got longer and I didn’t do that, so I was put in the libero position and I love it, I love the role I play in the team,” Fukumoto said.
Her love of the game landed her an offer at Baylor, one of the top 25 teams in the country.
There’s a familiar face on Baylor’s coaching staff — former Bow and UH assistant coach Joshua Walker.
“The way we play volleyball here definitely has a big impact on mainland sports, and in terms of defense…that’s kind of building the reputation of being very pessimistic,” Fukumoto said.
Meanwhile, Damien senior Cody Wengler earned first-team All-state DII honors.
Wengler’s drive and determination send her to the Ninth Island – to a UNLV team coached by Malia Shoji, the niece of legendary Hawaii coach Dave Shoji.
“What keeps me in the game as a smaller player is definitely my personality on the court that is like a leader, a loud, obnoxious noise guy,” Wengler said.
Callie Jo Shigemasa is known for her killer service.
Punahou’s team finished the season with 72 digs and 12 aces.
Shigemasa will find a home at Portland State next year.
“It has been one of my dreams to play college ball and play at the next level. I have been dreaming of it since I was in middle school when I first thought college volleyball was possible,” Shigemasa said.
And although their zip code will change, the girls say their hearts will always be in Hawaii.
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