Why volleyball?

Jim Clar asks himself that every day.

“;Because.”;

There are myriad reasons. Because of the camaraderie, on and off the court. Of the lifestyle of Hawaii, surprisingly comfortable for an 18-year-old from New York. Of the chance to become a better volleyball player in practice as a Warrior than what was afforded him as a starter on any team east of the Rockies.

For outside hitter Clar, one of three Hawaii seniors playing their last matches this week, there are as many “;becauses”; as “;in spite ofs.”;

Clar has hung in for the love of the sport, changing his preferred major (engineering) when labs conflicted with road trips. The injuries, including a torn labrum and cracked rib, have had him on the sideline trying to be the best captain a non-playing captain can be.

“;It's been hard not being on the court, but I've tried to embrace my captain's roll,”; said Clar, expected to start against USC tonight. “;We've had a couple of unfortunate incidents that led to the last two seasons unraveling. Injuries, people leaving ...

“;There are things that don't get looked at enough. All people see is that we're losing.”;

One thing that has weighed heavily is the illness of senior setter Sean Carney's father. After a long battle with cancer, Tom Carney died Monday night.

“;It's things like that that make your realize there is so much more to life that volleyball,”; Clar said.

But both Clar and Carney hope that there is more volleyball life for them after this weekend, the matches with USC capping Hawaii's second straight season without postseason play.

“;I think we'll be together next year, hopefully playing pro in Europe,”; Carney said. “;He's one of those friends who makes everyone around him a better person.”;

Clar has no regrets.

“;It sounds cliche, but these have been the best years of my life,”; he said. “;I'll miss everything, the fans, the culture, the stuff that goes on in the locker room.

“;Hopefully I can rehab the shoulder, go on to play pro. If it doesn't work out, at least I know I gave it my best ... like I've tried to do every day here.”;