WAC REGIONALS
Honolulu
(pop. 377,260)
The capital of the 50th state is home to many cultures, as evidenced by its 24 sister cities that range from Funchal, Portugal, to Baiku, Azerbaijan, to Caracas, Venezuela.
The University of Hawaii, considered one of the best values in higher education, will celebrate its centennial next year.
Did you know?: The University of Hawaii is widely acknowledged as having "the best volleyball fans in the nation." Hawaii has led the country in women's volleyball attendance since 1995, the Rainbow Wahine's first full season in the Stan Sheriff Center. Last season's 18 home matches drew 131,434 for a 7,302 average, and all rank in the top 34 in national attendance by the NCAA. Including the NACWAA Showcase and their match at New Mexico State, the Wahine were involved in 21 of the 34 top-attended matches.
If you go... The beauty of Honolulu is reflected in its many beaches, parks and historic buildings and sites. Among the must-see attractions for visitors are Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay and Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in America. The Natatorium, a memorial to World War I, was opened in 1927 with the first swim by Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii's first and greatest Olympian.
Wahine Record
How the Wahine have faired under Coach Dave Shoji.
Year |
Record |
National Finish
|
1975 |
16-2 |
AIAW runner-up
|
1976 |
14-5 |
AIAW 3rd
|
1977 |
22-5 |
AIAW runner-up
|
1978 |
28-10-1 |
AIAW 3rd
|
1979 |
36-5 |
AIAW champion
|
1980 |
34-10 |
AIAW 3rd
|
1981 |
37-2 |
Regional final
|
1982 |
37-2 |
NCAA champion
|
1983 |
33-1 |
NCAA champion
|
1984 |
33-11 |
First round
|
1985 |
28-13 |
Regional semi
|
1986 |
31-7 |
Regional final
|
1987 |
37-2 |
NCAA champion
|
1988 |
33-3 |
NCAA runner-up
|
1989 |
29-3 |
Regional final
|
1990 |
28-6 |
Regional semi
|
1991 |
26-5 |
Regional final
|
1992 |
15-12 |
No postseason
|
1993 |
19-11 |
Regional final
|
1994 |
25-5 |
Regional semi
|
1995 |
31-1 |
Regional final
|
1996 |
35-3 |
NCAA runner-up
|
1997 |
25-8 |
First round
|
1998 |
32-3 |
Regional final
|
1999 |
29-2 |
Regional semi
|
2000 |
31-2 |
NCAA 3rd
|
2001 |
29-6 |
Regional semi
|
2002 |
34-2 |
NCAA 3rd
|
2003 |
36-2 |
NCAA 3rd
|
2004 |
30-1 |
Regional semi
|
2005 |
27-7 |
Regional semi |
Manoa: The place Coach Shoji calls home
Dave Shoji was born in Upland, Calif., but spent his childhood in Honolulu and returned after college and a stint in the Army. The coach will turn 60 Dec. 4, between the NCAA second-round and third-round play.
If you go... Eat at Irifune and Side Street Inn. Enjoy Kuhio Beach, where there's always some volleyball going on and good boogeyboarding. Take a half-island circle tour, a drive including Diamond Head, Sandy Beach, Sherwoods, Kailua and Pali Lookout before heading back to town. Relax with a round of golf at Oahu Country Club, located in peaceful Nuuanu Valley.
|
Warning: High Surf Advisory
Kaneohe: pop. 34,970
There's a humble confidence about her, one that comes from within and without. But junior middle Juliana Sanders is not resting on her All-WAC first-team honors.
"I'm working hard, but so is everyone else," she said. "I feel confident enough that I'll be playing, but nothing is set in stone."
Compartment damage in her left shin required a difficult rehab. Sanders says she's not 100 percent but "I'm feeling pretty good."
She also is feeling pretty good about the season. "We have a very strong team and I'm very confident in my teammates," Sanders said. "I think every road trip will be challenging and we'll have to play our best. The intensity is there. "We've done a lot of bonding. We're ready to fly into the season. We're gonna sure damn try to win it all. Kanoe (senior setter Kamana'o) deserves to leave with a title. Dave (coach Shoji) deserves another one, too."
If you go... Head to the beach, Sandy's, Makapuu, North Shore. Shop at Local Motion and Get Wet. Eat at L&L, Sushi King and Zippy's.
Passing Zone
Pearl City: pop. 30,976
Soccer was Raeceen Woolford's gateway sport. "It helped me refine my footwork for basketball and enhanced all my athletic endeavors," she said.
Volleyball wasn't under consideration until she did a vertical test her freshman year at Iolani. She tried out for volleyball, made the team and played on the Raiders' 2001 state championship team -- along with setter Kanoe Kamana'o under the late Ann Kang, a former Wahine.
"I got serious about volleyball and just fell in love with it," Woolford said.. "Ann helped me realize what I could. I never understood how awesome it was to be a Wahine until I became one."
Woolford is one of a number players hoping to earn the starting libero spot. She is small (5-foot-5 1/2) but has quickness and can touch 9-10, one of the top touches on the team.
"I'm going to be optimistic," she said. "I see myself in that position. I want it more than I ever have.
"We have a synergy this year that I feel will take us all the way. I trust my teammates and with that, we can accomplish anything."
If you go... Come to Word of Life in Honolulu.