Tuesday, May 12, 1998
Gauchos’ middle blocker
By Cindy Luis
will transfer to Hawaii
Star-BulletinHeather Bown, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker, will transfer from UC Santa Barbara to play for the University of Hawaii women's volleyball team.
Bown was ranked in the Top 15 nationally in hitting percentage and block average last season. She earned All-Big West Conference honors as a freshman and sophomore for the Gauchos.
"I wasn't happy where I was at and wanted to play somewhere that would prepare my skills for the next level," Bown said in a phone call yesterday from Santa Barbara. "I'm hoping to play for the national team and professionally, and I think Coach (Dave) Shoji will help me do that."
In high school, Bown played for Esperanza High with current Wahine hitter Jessica Sudduth. She also played for Magnum Volleyball Club, then coached by Wahine assistant Charlie Wade, and was on the championship team of the 1995 Junior Olympics with current Hawaii players Jameka Stevens and Heidi Ilustre.
Bown's recruiting visit came during the NCAA men's volleyball championship tournament 10 days ago. She said the fan support for volleyball helped her decision.
"It's going to be a treat to play with Jessica, Heidi and Jameka again," said Bown, who also considered transferring to Southern Cal and Penn State. "We all know what it takes to win a championship and I'd like to win one in college and at the Olympics.
"I was looking for a place where I could make the biggest impact and I think I can at Hawaii."
Bown is expected to help fill the void left by graduated senior Cia Goods, one of the leading blockers in the country last season.
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
