That will leave a mark.

It's what many a defensive specialist has said when attempting to dig one of Stephanie Ferrell's bombs.

It's also what Ferrell hopes to do as she continues her Hawaii volleyball career.

The redshirt freshman is the heir apparent to senior All-American Jamie Houston, the dynamic outside hitter who is 80 kills away from becoming only the second Hawaii player to reach 2,000.

But Ferrell isn't looking to replace Houston.

“;Those are some pretty big shoes to fill. She's an awesome player,”; Ferrell said. “;I want to make my own way, take my own path, and leave my own imprint on this program.”;

The 6-foot-1 Ferrell has begun to do that this year. The first sub off the bench, she continues to improve every match as she continues to learn the sport.

That she's playing volleyball is an accident, the Los Angeles native said.

“;I grew up in a bad neighborhood,”; Ferrell said. “;Volleyball was a way to get away from the negative energy.”;

“;Me and my little brother went to my old middle school, thinking we would play basketball. We walked into the gym and they were playing volleyball, which was something new. My old P.E. teacher asked me to try out. I tried on the uniform and it fit.”;

So did the sport, as Ferrell went on to earn all-city honors in high school and all-tournament honors playing for the Southern California Volleyball Club.

The move to Hawaii wasn't as smooth. During the first few weeks of last season, Ferrell returned home twice to attend the funerals of her grandmother and brother.

“;That was really tough personally,”; she said. “;And it affected my progress here. I missed so much team stuff. I won't lie. I had doubts about coming back, thinking maybe it wasn't meant to be.

“;But I had all these people here and back home saying Hawaii was the right thing to do. It's a privilege to play here.”;

Granted a medical hardship after an injury sidelined her for most of last season, Ferrell is feeling more at home. Houston, who came from Alabama, empathized with making the jump to a big-time Division I program.

“;It's not easy, I had a tough time,”; Houston said. “;But you work hard and get better.

“;Ferrell is going to be really good. She's growing a lot in practice, learning to keep the ball in play. She's very athletic.”;

Houston touches 10 feet, 7 inches. Ferrell's goal is to eventually match that; her best is 10-3 1/2 .

“;Ferrell's close to Houston in elevation, but I think she's more of a volleyball player,”; Wahine coach Dave Shoji said. “;I think she steps into Houston's role next year without much of an adjustment.

“;She has such a love for the game and she's happiest when she's on the court.”;

Ferrell's busy off the court as well, working with the elderly as a volunteer at Leahi Hospital. Her real passion is children and she hopes to become a pediatrician.

Her hope for this year is to make it to the final four.

“;We have to work on some things,”; Ferrell said. “;But we have it in us to get there.”;