Wahine turn to Iowa
for latest volleyball recruitJessica Keefe decided on UH
after seeing its men's senior night
The 2004 Rainbow Wahine volleyball class continues to be one of firsts.
In March, Hawaii landed its first Texan. Now, the program has added its first player from Iowa.
Jessica Keefe, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Ames High School (Ames, Iowa) verbally committed to Hawaii. Keefe is a high school junior and will sign a letter of intent in the fall.
Keefe was recruited by Wisconsin, Oregon, the University of California, Nebraska and Oklahoma. She committed to UH on April 16 after taking a campus visit with her mother. Keefe said she was impressed by the Warriors' volleyball team's senior night.
"I loved the playing atmosphere," said Keefe, who has a 4.0 grade-point average. "It's so supportive and everybody's so involved and so excited about the programs. It was very good to see. ... My overall impression was very good. I felt like I could fit in well.
"The scenery, the setting is beautiful. What more could you wish for? Most of it (committing to UH) was because of the coaching staff and the volleyball support staff in Hawaii. It was excellent. I got a great impression from that. ... The team chemistry was really unique. It gives you a good idea of what characteristics the program has."
The team chemistry will have to be developed in 2004 as the Wahine will have seven players complete their eligibility in 2003.
Keefe joins Nickie Thomas of Texas, who accepted a scholarship in March. Keefe has played middle blocker her entire prep career, but was told by Wahine coaches that she might see some time as an outside hitter.
Keefe's club volleyball coach, Arlie Brandmeyer of IPVA ( Iowa Power Volleyball Alliance), believes Keefe has the qualities to succeed at any position.
"She's a phenomenal athlete," Brandmeyer said. "She comes from the same high school as Erin Martin, who is now at Minnesota. She (Jessica) is very similar, strong and athletic. They're different players, but of the same caliber. ... She's a terrific kid, very upbeat, and works hard. She's a leader. She wants to play."
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