SARAH MASON (17)
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Sarah Mason creates high fashion for the runway in sewing class, but is focused on the runway in Omaha, as well.
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Haute on a mission to bring home a championship
Hilo: pop. 40,759
Sarah Mason has designs on a lot of things:
» an aloha shirt for her father;
» a label for her future haute couture line;
» a national title.
"We have a lot of things going for us this year," the senior outside hitter said. "Even though we lost great players, we have a lot of new ones who will step right in.
"And having the regional here ... no freezing like we did in Penn State. I think we can win it. It's a matter of doing it. We can't just think about it anymore. We have to take hold of the dream and do it."
While Mason's future could include a pro career if she so chooses, the likely runway is high fashion. Within the next five years, the fashion design major would like to have her own store where she'd sell her clothing line.
"I really like designing haute couture," she said. "When it comes to dressing myself, I'm super casual. I don't fit in with the high fashion types, but I like to draw, design and dress them."
As much as Mason enjoys volleyball, injuries have put a damper on her enthusiasm. Her ankle, which sidelined her for 11 matches last season, is holding up. It's her right (hitting) shoulder that has been giving her problems due to a torn labrum.
"I've adjusted my swing because of it, changed my shot," she said. "Yes, it will throw off the old scouting reports.
"I've been playing volleyball since I was 7. I see it in my future but just not so intense."
If you go... Visit Volcanoes National Park and Lava Tree State Park. Eat at Ken's House of Pancakes.
Sarah's Suitcase
The road is hard enough without having to worry about what to pack.
The KISS method works for Sarah Mason when it comes to making the luggage load light: Keep It Simple, Sarah.
The must-haves for the fashion design major include a sketch book and charcoal pencil for those unexpected inspirations.
Although her future career goal is to create a haute couture line, Mason's current wardrobe basics are just that -- basic.
» "Wife beaters" (tank-style undershirts)
» Sweats
» Slippers
» Bathing suit, in case the hotel has a hot tub
Other necessary items for the Hilo-born player are hair gel, big, dangly earrings and a picture of her boyfriend (UH basketball player Bobby Nash).
"Sarah's penciled in as one of our three (starting) hitters this year. She has a professional (volleyball) career ahead of her if she wants it. She certainly has all the physical tools. It's about being motivated to go on to the next level, if that's what she wants."
-- Dave Shoji