StarBulletin.com

Changing with the seasons


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POSTED: Thursday, August 20, 2009

Contrary to popular belief, there are seasons in Hawaii, especially in Hawaii volleyball. Come September, it's not about falling leaves; it's about leaving tougher competition for that of the not always challenging Western Athletic Conference.

But it is what it is and “;we just need to stay focused the entire season, whoever we play,”; senior Cat Fowler said. “;We've got high-level play right off the bat and that will motivate us, get us ready for the rest of the season.

“;I have really high expectations. I think we can go farther than last year. Everyone has grown a lot as a player.”;

That includes Fowler, who transfered in last year after playing two seasons at Arkansas. Adjusting to life in Honolulu after growing up in Conway, Ark., (pop. 52,430) is something she's enjoyed.

“;It's completely different than the South,”; Fowler said. “;I really like the different cultures. Everyone has been so welcoming.

“;I do miss seeing the leaves change colors, though. People come to the Ozark Mountains just to see the leaves change.”;

               

     

 

CAT CHAT

       

”;I have high expectations and think we can go farther than last year.”;

       

Cat Fowler
        Senior middle/opposite

       

 

       

Fowler might be making a change on the court this year. The middle blocker has been moved to opposite (on the right) and has done well in practice, which may allow her to see the court more than as a situational blocker.

Off the court, her teammates have come to enjoy Fowler's quirky, quiet personality.

“;We roomed together on the beach volleyball trip (in spring) and I enjoyed learning more about her,”; senior libero Jayme Lee said. “;She has such a good heart, is such a strong person.

“;She's been accepting of her role, works hard. There is nothing more the team can ask of her.”;

“;My role is to continue blocking and help as much as I can,”; Fowler said. “;We're a very deep team and have lots of players who can come in and do the job.

“;When I look at September (on the calendar), I think of the seasons changing. We are preparing for our next season—the WAC—and we need to keep in mind the level of play we experienced in (nonconference) play and keep it going so we'll be ready for when the NCAA season comes.”;