Listen to ‘Mama’

It took a little while for the Brigham Young-Hawaii women’s volleyball team to find its voice this season.

It took much longer for Tuli Peters Tevaga to rediscover her passion.

Five seasons and two children removed from collegiate competition, the big question was whether she could make the Seasiders roster, vying for playing time with younger players, some nearly 10 years younger.

The answer was a loud "yes," with Tevaga becoming the experienced leader that has helped fifth-ranked BYU-Hawaii to a top seed in this week’s NCAA Division II West Regional.

The 26-year-old is second in points — which combines kills, aces and blocks — and third in kills (2.36 kps) and digs (2.79 dps) in playing in all but one match.

That she has found success was no surprise to those who had seen her help Kahuku to the state title in 2002, or those who watched the 2006 PacWest player of the year earn All-America honors.

The surprise for some was that Tevaga had a year of eligibility left, considering players normally have five years to play four, and she began her career as a redshirt at Fresno State in 2003.

"Our compliance people were very thorough and the NCAA cleared her to play," Seasiders coach Wilfred Navalta said. "She left us (after 2006), got married and was coming back to finish her degree. She had one year left

"When she asked me about coming back (last February), she was really out of shape. I told her she’d have to prove herself as a walk-on, told her I didn’t want her (back) if she was going to quit if she ended up on the bench. She sacrificed and made the commitment, both physically and emotionally."

Tevaga has that "fighting spirit" that Navalta has always valued.

"She is very feisty," said the newly named coach of the year in both the PacWest and West Region. "Our team is very quiet and she has become the voice for us.

"She has that fiery spirit that we need, plus she has a balanced game, good back-court skills. It’s been a nice situation for us and for her."

But it hasn’t been easy.

"I had to work off two kids," Tevaga said of her weight gain. "It was pretty tough, finding time to take care of my children, go to school, practice. And I’m also coaching at North Shore Volleyball Club.

"But I wanted this really bad and I’m very fortunate to have help from my husband (Shareff) and our families."

A typical day for Tevaga means getting up at 6 a.m., getting 3-year-old son Legend ready for preschool, going to class at 7 a.m., practicing in the afternoon and then returning home in time for dinner with Shareff, Legend and 2-year-old Leila. Then it’s hitting the books. She’ll graduate with her degree in exercise and sports science in April.

"I want to be an occupational therapist," she said. "My son was diagnosed with a developmental problem and going into that field seemed to be the one that would be most beneficial for him, and for me to help him.

"I eventually want to go to med school."

But first there’s this week’s regional at Cannon Activities Center, where the winner will advance to next week’s elite eight in Pensacola, Fla.

The Seasiders already have 10 national championship banners hanging from the CAC rafters. Adding No. 11 would be a dream come true for the player teammates call "Mama Tules."

"It would be amazing to end my career that way," said Tevaga, who turns 27 on Dec. 29. "Our team is very capable, very talented, but in the end, it’s who wants it more.

"But I think we’re up for the challenge. This team has nothing but heart. Being able to come back and be a part of this … it helps me remember why we all love the sport."