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Post by Cubicle No More ... on Dec 10, 2014 14:14:32 GMT -5
congrats and good luck, Scott ... if the stars align, we may see you back in manoa yet. in the meantime, thanks for all you gave to the wahine program over the years!
(and the star-advertiser couldn't come up with a better picture than him squatting? sheesh! lol)
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Post by Cubicle No More ... on Dec 11, 2014 13:22:23 GMT -5
Wong takes women's head coaching job at Pepperdine
By Cindy Luis, Honolulu Star-AdvertiserPOSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 11, 2014 JAMM AQUINO / AUG. 21 Scott Wong was associate head coach for the Wahine indoor team and head coach of the SandBows.
This New Year's Eve will be quite the celebration for Scott Wong. Not only is it his birthday but it marks the departure from one dream job to another. Wong accepted the head women's volleyball coaching position at his alma mater, Pepperdine, on Tuesday, ending five seasons as Hawaii's associate head coach. "It was a hard decision," said Wong, also the UH head sand volleyball coach. "Coming back home to Hawaii and coach was the dream for so many years. "But I've always wanted to be the head coach of an indoor program. Pepperdine was the only program I'd leave Hawaii for." Wong played four years at Pepperdine, where he was a three-time AVCA All-American and a four-time All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation pick. The Punahou graduate also was a Waves men's assistant for four years, a volunteer assistant with the Wahine for a season, and an assistant with the San Francisco women's program prior to returning to UH in 2010. "I'm very excited to have him back," said Pepperdine sand coach Nina Mathies, who was the Waves' indoor coach for 31 seasons through 2013. "I was here when he played and coached here. We've been around each other for many years and I feel like I've watched him grow up and grow into a really good coach." Wong's departure leaves Wahine coach Dave Shoji two positions to fill: associate indoor and head sand. When asked if there was anyone available who could fill both positions with the qualifications Wong has, Shoji said, "Good question. I don't know if that person exists. "If the two positions can be linked up, that would be ideal. But my first priority is the indoor program. That's the first hire. Then we can assess sand." Shoji said a search would begin immediately. A notice of 10 working days is required for any job vacancy at UH. Because of the holidays, any notice posted Wednesday would have to stay open through Dec. 30, and any notice after Wednesday would stay open until early January. Shoji also said Wong's departure would have no effect on how long he would remain as Hawaii's head coach. Shoji concluded his 40th season with the Wahine eliminated in the NCAA tournament's second round by host Washington on Saturday. "I have not made a decision," Shoji reiterated Wednesday. "Obviously my situation makes it tenuous for assistants. Scott and I talked at length about that situation and that likely influenced his decision. "Obviously I am close to Scott and I will miss him. He has done everything he needed to do to become a head coach and I have no doubt that he will be successful at Pepperdine. Pepperdine is giving him a wonderful opportunity." The logical choice to replace Wong indoors would be current assistant Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, a former Wahine All-American and three-time Olympian. who joined the staff in 2011. She is expected to apply for the position.
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Post by madonna on Dec 14, 2014 14:53:59 GMT -5
So I finally got a chance to watch the PBS Hawaii Leahy & Leahy show that Dave Shoji was on (This aired back in Sept.). This interview did answer a question that I've been wondering (I know some were as well) about what Dave Shoji tells the players he is recruiting.
It was a pretty enlightening interview that I thought I'd post it here for those that either missed it or didn't know it existed.
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Post by Wolfgang on Dec 14, 2014 15:30:30 GMT -5
Jim Leahy sucks up to Shoji waaaay too much.
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Post by Cubicle No More ... on Dec 17, 2014 15:05:12 GMT -5
Hawaii's Magill named honorable mention All-American The junior middle was among nation's best blockersBy Star-Advertiser staff POSTED: 07:02 a.m. HST, Dec 17, 2014 LAST UPDATED: 07:19 a.m. HST, Dec 17, 2014 STAR-ADVERTISER / DEC. 5 Hawaii's Olivia Magill hit the ball past Duke's block during a Dec. 5 NCAA tournament match in Seattle.Hawaii junior middle Olivia Magill earned honorable mention Wednesday as the AVCA announced its All-America volleyball teams. Magill, who transferred from Arizona last spring, led the Big West in hitting percentage (.405) and blocks per set (1.34). Her hitting percentage ranked her 16th nationally and her block average 29th. Also named an honorable mention was Missouri sophomore hitter Carly Kan, a Punahou graduate. It was the first time the Tigers had a player named to the All-America team as a freshman and sophomore. Penn State's Ali Franti was named Freshman of the Year.
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Post by skeleton on Dec 17, 2014 18:20:00 GMT -5
Hawaii's Magill named honorable mention All-American The junior middle was among nation's best blockersBy Star-Advertiser staff POSTED: 07:02 a.m. HST, Dec 17, 2014 LAST UPDATED: 07:19 a.m. HST, Dec 17, 2014 STAR-ADVERTISER / DEC. 5 Hawaii's Olivia Magill hit the ball past Duke's block during a Dec. 5 NCAA tournament match in Seattle.Hawaii junior middle Olivia Magill earned honorable mention Wednesday as the AVCA announced its All-America volleyball teams. Magill, who transferred from Arizona last spring, led the Big West in hitting percentage (.405) and blocks per set (1.34). Her hitting percentage ranked her 16th nationally and her block average 29th. Also named an honorable mention was Missouri sophomore hitter Carly Kan, a Punahou graduate. It was the first time the Tigers had a player named to the All-America team as a freshman and sophomore. Penn State's Ali Franti was named Freshman of the Year. Congratulations also to Penina Snuka (HM)
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Post by Cubicle No More ... on Dec 18, 2014 15:27:58 GMT -5
UH's Magill, Missouri's Kan earn honorable mention from AVCA
By Cindy Luis, Honolulu Star-Advertiser
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 18, 2014
The potential was obvious in August preseason camp. It was realized over the past five months, culminating Wednesday with All-America recognition.
Junior middle Olivia Magill became the 28th Hawaii volleyball player to earn an award from the American Volleyball Coaches Association. The transfer from Arizona was one of three Big West players named honorable mention.
"It's nice for her and the program to be recognized by the AVCA," Hawaii coach Dave Shoji said.
Magill, under-utilized as an attacker during her two seasons with the Wildcats, played a big roll in the Rainbow Wahine offense when starting all 29 matches. The Washington state native tied senior middle Kalei Adolpho with total blocks (137) and was second in kills (289).
Magill led the Big West in hitting percentage (.405) and blocks (1.34 bps), both marks ranking her in the top 30 nationally. She hit a career-high .737 in a sweep at Cal State Fullerton with eight kills and no errors in 11 swings, one of six matches without a hitting error. The All-Pacific North Region selection also had 15 matches of 10 or more kills, including a double-double against St. John's with 15 kills and 12 block assists.
Also earning honorable mention for a second season was Missouri sophomore hitter Carly Kan, a Punahou School product, who led the SEC in double-doubles with 19. The AVCA Southeast Region and SEC Freshman of the Year in 2013 became the first Tiger player to be recognized by the AVCA in her first two seasons.
Also Wednesday, Hawaii posted its vacancy for an associate indoor coach/head sand coach. The dual role opened up last Wednesday when Scott Wong accepted the head coaching job for the Pepperdine women's indoor team.
Applications will be accepted through Jan. 2. The sand volleyball season officially begins in March with Pepperdine, the defending national champion, on the SandBows' home schedule.
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Post by Cubicle No More ... on Dec 23, 2014 1:31:56 GMT -5
True-blue leaderPunahou's Granato helped mold a young team into state championsBy Stanley Lee, Star-AdvertiserPOSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 21, 2014 JAMM AQUINO Punahou's McKenna Granato was voted Player of the YearOf her many responsibilities, McKenna Granato was tasked with leading her Punahou volleyball team on and off the court. The senior co-captain was always known for her heavy hitting. As a leader, though, she had never captained any Buffanblu squad until this year. Over the course of the season, Granato helped a young team grow closer. In the end, the 5-foot-11 outside hitter led a team effort in winning the state championship. Granato was voted Star-Advertiser's state player of the year by coaches and media, the latest honor for the University of Hawaii commit. In November, she was a first-team selection on the Under Armour Girls High School All-American Team. That earned her a trip to the NCAA championship in Oklahoma City, where she played in an exhibition match against other first-team players. Earlier this month, she was named Gatorade Player of the Year. "One of the biggest compliments I hear from the younger girls is that both her and (co-captain) Kiani (Tuileta) did a great job of making sure that they felt like they belonged and they were all equal," Punahou coach Tanya Fuamatu-Anderson said. Granato had usually been the youngest player on teams and would look at the older players for support and guidance. She said it was different switching roles. Over time, the team grew closer to one another, translating to cohesion on the floor. "We're together a lot and we got along really well," Granato said. "In the end, our chemistry was better and we all knew what we needed to do and trusted each other." Four of Granato's teammates made the Fab 15 team. Setter Tuileta, who directed Punahou's offense, made the team for the second straight season. Also on the list are middle blocker Vonica Malufau, libero Brandee Markwith and opposite Kiana Peroff. State runner-up Kamehameha had four players in the Fab 15. Outside hitter Tiyana Hallums and libero Mia Heirakuji were repeat picks. Setter Lynzi Akeo started for the Warriors until a season-ending knee injury in the ILH regular-season finale. Sarah Lau provided versatility as a setter and hitter for the Warriors. Outside hitters Silerolia Gaogao and Johanna Kruize carried Moanalua to an OIA title and undefeated regular season. Gaogao also made the Fab 15 last year. Konawaena won a second straight Division II state title with outside hitters and sisters Chanelle and Celena Molina. Celena also saw time at setter for the Wildcats and Chanelle made the Fab 15 last year. They are the only Division II players on this year's team. Kaiulani Ahuna helped Kamehameha-Hawaii win the BIIF title and is a repeat Fab 15 selection. Kapolei's Shekinah Clarke saw very limited action in the regular season because of a knee injury, but returned in the postseason to lead the Hurricanes to the OIA final and state semifinals appearance. Coach Naidah Gamurot, who guided Kapolei to its first-ever Division I state tournament berth, was voted coach of the year. FAB 15Rank Name School HT. POS. Yr.1. McKenna Granato Punahou 5-11 OH Sr. 2. Tiyana Hallums Kamehameha 5-9 OH Sr. 3. Kiani Tuileta Punahou 5-10 S Sr. 4. Chanelle Molina Konawaena 5-7 OH Jr. 5. Silerolia Gaogao Moanalua 6-0 OH Sr. 6. Mia Heirakuji Kamehameha 5-4 L Sr. 7. Johanna Kruize Moanalua 5-11 OH Jr. 8. Vonica Malufau Punahou 6-0 MB Jr. 9. Sarah Lau Kamehameha 5-11 OH Sr. 10. Celena Molina Konawaena 5-8 OH So. 11. Lynzi Akeo Kamehameha 5-8 S Jr. 12. Brandee Markwith Punahou 5-8 L Jr. 13. Shekinah Clarke Kapolei 5-11 OH Sr. 14. Kaiulani Ahuna KS-Hawaii 5-9 OH Sr. 15. Kiana Peroff Punahou 6-2 OH Jr. Player of the Year: McKenna Granato, Punahou Coach of the Year: Naidah Gamurot, Kapolei
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Post by Cubicle No More ... on Dec 23, 2014 1:33:19 GMT -5
Hawaii finishes at No. 23 in final volleyball pollRainbow Wahine close at 32 in the RPIBy Star-Advertiser staff POSTED: 02:14 p.m. HST, Dec 22, 2014 LAST UPDATED: 04:24 p.m. HST, Dec 22, 2014 DARRELL MIHO / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER The University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine Kalei Greeley hits past the block of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustang Caihla Petiprin and Savannah Niemen during a game on Saturday at Mott Gym. University of Hawai'i won the match 3-1 (25-20, 25-21, 25-18)The Hawaii volleyball team kept its same ranking from before the NCAA tournament, remaining at No. 23 in Monday's final AVCA Coaches Division I Women's Volleyball Top 25. In the final Ratings Percentage Index also released Monday, the Rainbow Wahine (22-7) finished at 32, seven places higher than their RPI heading into the NCAA tournament. Hawaii saw its season end with a 3-1 loss at host Washington in the second round. The Huskies (31-3), falling to Nebraska in four in the third round, dropped from No. 3 to No. 9 in the final poll. NCAA champion Penn State (38-3) closed the year a unanimous No. 1. The Nittany Lions also were top-ranked in the preseason poll and the first poll of the season. Stanford (33-2), which lost to Penn State in the national semifinal, dropped a spot to No. 2. National runner-up BYU (30-6) jumped from 12 to 3 while Wisconsin (31-3), eliminated in the quarterfinals by Penn State fell two spots to No. 4. Long Beach State (27-6), which defeated Hawaii twice in five sets, finished at No. 19, a loss of four places. Three other teams that beat the Rainbow Wahine also finished in the poll: Oregon at 14, UCLA 15 and Arizona State 21. Duke, swept by Hawaii in the NCAA first round, fell four spots to finish at No. 25.
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Post by skeleton on Mar 17, 2015 12:47:32 GMT -5
Rainbow Women Ready For Exhibition Match By Cindy Luis POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Mar 17, 2015 BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM Tai Manu-Olevao practiced her serve-receive on Monday as the Hawaii women's volleyball team prepared for Thursday's exhibition against Texas. It was excitement all around Monday as the Hawaii women's volleyball team returned to the Stan Sheriff Center for the first official practice of spring. WOMEN'S EXHIBITION VOLLEYBALL Stan Sheriff Center » When: Thursday, 7 p.m. » Who: Texas at Hawaii » General admission tickets: $15 adults, $8 seniors (65-older), $5 students (ages 4-high school) » TV/Radio: None The Rainbow Wahine were back on the court together — most of the 2014 squad anyway — for the first time since losing in the NCAA second round at Washington on Dec. 6, prepping for Thursday's exhibition match with NCAA tournament semifinalist Texas. "It should be fun, Texas is a very good team," Hawaii freshman Kalei Greeley said. "I've been looking forward to playing them ever since we found out (in January). We've been doing individual workouts until now. It's nice to be back as a team." Greeley is one of 12 Rainbow Wahine expected to play against the Longhorns. While graduating seniors Ginger Long and Sarah Mendoza won't participate, senior middle Kalei Adolpho will. Missing will be freshman hitter Megan Huff, who leaves Wednesday with the rest of the Rainbow Wahine basketball team that plays in the first round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament at Saint Mary's on Friday. Also missing from Monday's practice was sophomore hitter Nikki Taylor; the sand volleyball All-American used Monday as her NCAA-mandated day off for a week that includes sand dual matches Wednesday (USC) and Sunday (Cal and Nebraska), and the Queen of the Beach pairs tournament Friday and Saturday. "I'm excited to get to it with Texas," said Taylor, who is paired this sand season with All-American Brittany Tiegs at No. 1. "Texas will be very, very fun." The SandBows (4-0) are No. 1 in the AVCA rankings for the first time in the program's four-year history. Also ranked No. 1 is the Hawaii men's volleyball team, its first since the 2004 season. "I was just talking to ‘Sunny' about that, about it being so good for both programs," Taylor said of Rainbow Warriors senior middle Taylor Averill. Three other Rainbow Wahine are doubling up with the sand team, although freshmen Clare-Marie Anderson, Gianna Guinasso and Emily Maglio haven't played this season and may redshirt. The SandBows officially open their on-campus courts with No. 3 USC on Wednesday with play beginning at 1:30 p.m. OC Sports will televise the Nos. 1 and 2 flight matches at 5 p.m.
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Post by LanaiBoy on Mar 17, 2015 19:37:02 GMT -5
In the Big West basketball finals, Megan Huff had one of the best games of her college career, scoring 16 points and with 14 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. After her first basketball match way back in December when she first joined the team, I predicted in a VolleyTalk posting that Huff, by the time she becomes a senior, will be an All-American in basketball, albeit an honorable mention one. Shawn-Lei Kuehu, a team mate, stated something similar after the game. She said that Huff would be Big West Player of the Year candidate by her junior or senior year. Huff has unlimited potential as a basketball player. Frankly, she has not shown much as a volleyball player; as a hitter she depends more on placement than on power. I hope she shows something different next season. Anyways, I think she should concentrate on basketball and play volleyball as a fifth-year senior as will Kalei Adolpho in basketball next season. Funny, Huff shows both power and finesse in basketball; she is rough and tough and can really swing her weight around but she also has pretty moves around the basket. Not true of volleyball, so far.
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Post by Cubicle No More ... on Mar 18, 2015 13:56:54 GMT -5
Sightseeing aside, Texas will take UH match seriously
By Cindy Luis, Honolulu Star-Advertiser
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Mar 18, 2015
It is a working vacation — emphasis on working — for the Texas women's volleyball team during this week's spring break.
While coach Jerritt Elliott wants his players to enjoy the same things he did when on the Rainbow Warrior volleyball roster in 1989-90 — with some added suggestions from junior libero Kat Brooks (Punahou) — he is treating Thursday's exhibition with Hawaii as all business.
"This gives us another week of training," Elliott said. "We want to work on speeding up our offense and try it out in front of a great crowd.
"Both teams are a little thin (without 2014 seniors), so we have no idea what (Hawaii) will put on the floor.
This is going to be more of in-game adjustments, which will be good to have them learn on the fly. "
The Longhorns have enjoyed their visit so far, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, driving up to the North Shore and going on outrigger canoe rides off Waikiki.
"Fall is so structured that there isn't a lot of time for this, to get to be normal," Elliott said. "It's a chance for team bonding. Normally the players would go home, but this gives us an extra week to develop and get some extra repetitions."
While Texas had an early-morning practice Tuesday, Hawaii's second team practice of the spring season included scrimmaging against North Texas at the Stan Sheriff Center on Tuesday afternoon. The Mean Green, coached by former Washington State head coach and Ohio State assistant Andrew Palileo (Waipahu High graduate), also played Hawaii Pacific and Chaminade on Saturday as part of their spring break training in Hawaii.
The Rainbow Wahine only began spring practice Monday and "it's not the most ideal situation for us," coach Dave Shoji said. "But these two teams were on their spring breaks and it gave us a chance to play a couple of competitions that we need.
"I don't think (the Texas exhibition) will be real sharp. We'll try to get everyone in, but we're pretty limited with just two middles (Olivia Magill and Emily Maglio) and three outsides (Kalei Greeley, Tai Manu-Olevao and Nikki Taylor)."
(Graduating senior Kalei Adolpho would be available to play in case of an injury).
The Longhorns also are missing their seniors who helped Texas (29-3) reach the NCAA tournament semifinals last December. Still, Texas has three All-Americans back in current sophomore middle Chiaka Ogbogu, junior middle Molly McCage and junior hitter/libero Amy Neal.
WOMEN'S EXHIBITION VOLLEYBALL
At Stan Sheriff Center
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Who: Texas at Hawaii
General admission tickets: $15 adults, $8 seniors (65-older), $5 students (ages 4-high school)
TV/Radio: None
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Post by skeleton on Mar 19, 2015 13:26:46 GMT -5
Warrior File: Emily Maglio By Star-Advertiser staff POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Mar 19, 2015 CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / JAN. 22 Rainbow Wahine Emily Maglio Speak softly and carry a big stick. President Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy aptly applies to the only foreign player on the Hawaii volleyball roster. Freshman middle Emily Maglio, a very soft-spoken Canadian, grew up carrying a very big stick … as a defenseman in hockey for eight years. Maglio enjoys playing the distinctly different sports, especially the one thing volleyball and hockey have in common: defense. "It's about trying to stop something, although the puck is a lot smaller," said Maglio, an animal science major with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. Maglio currently is working on her all-around game as a member of Hawaii's sand volleyball team and has impressed Rainbow Wahine head coach Dave Shoji and associate indoor/head sand coach Jeff Hall. "Maglio is the most improved player we have from fall," Shoji said as Hawaii prepared for Thursday's indoor exhibition with Texas. "She's big, strong, jumps well and is very coordinated." Maglio did not make a recruiting visit, coming to Hawaii sight unseen but well aware of the program's reputation. She's happy with the choice. "I really like how friendly everyone is," she said. "And I'm excited about playing Texas." >> Class:Freshman >> Height: 6-2 >> Hometown: Coquitlam, British Columbia
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Post by sasa on Mar 19, 2015 14:13:50 GMT -5
I wish the article was a little longer on Maglio. I also hope she'll see a lot of playing time in front of Adolpho tonight. Although Kalei's better at the position, I'd prefer the reps go to Maglio in preparation for the upcoming season.
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Post by ballervolley on Mar 19, 2015 14:46:59 GMT -5
I wish the article was a little longer on Maglio. I also hope she'll see a lot of playing time in front of Adolpho tonight. Although Kalei's better at the position, I'd prefer the reps go to Maglio in preparation for the upcoming season. kalei will play? wasn't '14 her last season? --the article above said adolpho will be available in case of any injury.
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