Star-Bulletin state high school player of the year Kanoe Kamana'o has verbally committed to the University of Hawaii. Kamana‘o
staying homeBy Grace Wen
gwen@starbulletin.comThe Iolani junior led the Raiders to their first girls volleyball state championship. The 5-foot-7 Kamana'o served double duty for Iolani, setting out of the back row and hitting in the front.
Her defensive skills are solid, too. Last summer she played libero for the U.S. junior national team and was invited back this year for a chance at making the 12-member travel roster that will go to Puerto Rico for the 2002 NORCECA championships.
"I'm happy. I'm extremely happy with my decision," Kamana'o said. "The University of Hawaii had offered me the most and the best. It was the best package that any of the colleges had to offer. Deep down in my heart, I always wanted to stay home.
"I know it's early (in the recruiting period). I just wanted to get things off, just to be relieved. It wasn't hard, it was just on the stressful side."
Kamana'o had narrowed her choices to Hawaii, national runner-up Long Beach State, USC and Arizona.
She will be a welcome addition for the Wahine in 2003. Hawaii will lose setters Jennifer Carey and Margaret Vakasausau after this fall. Both will have completed their eligibility.
"She's really team oriented," Iolani coach Ann Kang said. "She's a strong player and has good court sense. People will enjoy her style of play. She plays with heart.
"She's very smooth. You definitely want the ball in her hands as much as possible. For us, she made passes that weren't so good, look good, because of what she can do. She definitely makes her teammates look better and play better."
UH Athletics
