Willoughby agrees to play
for top Puerto Rican team
Add another line to the impressive volleyball biography of Kim Willoughby:
Professional.
Willoughby, who was named the national collegiate player of the year last month, has signed a contract to play for the Criollas de Caguas, one of the powers in the top women's league in Puerto Rico. The three-time All-American said her contract is for $55,000 for the three-month season.
"It just happened," said Willoughby, who received the offer by phone Tuesday. "I leave Saturday."
The Criollas de Caguas (Caguas Creoles) won the league's Island Division with a 15-7 record last season. The roster included former Long Beach State All-American Cheryl Weaver.
Willoughby will go to Colorado Springs, Colo., in April for the U.S. Olympic tryouts.
"Do I have a spot?" Willoughby asked. "There's no guarantees. I think based on the people who are there (on the current national team), I like my chances. But there are no guarantees."
Willoughby finished her career as the all-time UH leader in kills, kills per game and kill attempts. She is also the school's career leader in aces and digs, set several NCAA single-season records, and ranks No. 6 on the NCAA career kill list (2,598).
In her four seasons, the Rainbow Wahine advanced to the final four in 2000, 2002 and 2003, losing in the national semifinals all three times. Hawaii finished 36-2 last month, falling to Florida in Dallas.
