Kahakai’s diggin’ the change

Boom.

That was Tanya Fuamatu-Anderson’s thought when first seeing 13-year-old Savanah Kahakai walk into Kalihi-Palama Gym for Ka Ulukoa volleyball club tryouts.

“You saw the talent from the get-go,” the former NAIA Player of the Year and All-American at Hawaii Hilo said. “How many 13-year-olds are jump-serving at that age, bombing it, looking like a varsity player?

“It’s no surprise she is where she is now. One, she has the genes and, two, she has the passion.”

That combination has Kahakai emerging as one of the top liberos in the country. The Hawaii junior has 107 digs in six matches this season, finishing in double digits in all but one (six against Pacific), and ranking her 53rd nationally at 4.86 digs per set.

It’s been quite the transformation from offense to defense for the all-state outside hitter out of Farrington. Her dream always had been to play for Hawaii but, at 5-foot-8, the only way that was going to happen was to be in the back court.

Or not. As a freshman, Kahakai played one rotation in the front row against San Diego State in Set 4, putting down two kills with a solo block and the match-ending ace.

Kahakai tried to make a case to do so again in last month’s season-opener against Wisconsin. With senior opposite Nikki Taylor sidelined with an elbow injury and the Wahine looking for options on the outside, “I told Dave (coach Shoji) that I was ready,” Kahakai said. “He said they needed me more on defense.

“I miss hitting … a lot.”

Instead, Kahakai has continued to work on her overall game, including becoming very proficient at setting from just behind the 3-meter line (liberos cannot do an overhand set from in front of the line unless the hitter hits flat-footed). She has developed a technique where she will take a pass from just inside 3 meters, taking off on one foot to set the ball.

It’s an athletic move she learned from watching liberos at the international level, including U.S. Olympic team libero Erik Shoji, younger son of her coach. Kahakai has 21 assists in 71 attempts.

“I worked on that a lot during (summer) camp, would grab a basket of balls and have someone toss them so I could perfect setting off one leg,” she said. “I feel more comfortable with that.”

Kahakai’s also become more comfortable with her leadership role. During the Aug. 28 match against Arizona, she was the veteran, surrounded by four freshmen and a sophomore.

“That first weekend, I was so nervous,” freshman defensive specialist Emma Smith said. “There were a lot of people watching. She grabbed my hand and told me I’d do great.

“I’m super lucky to be able to train under her, she is so good. When I’m not in, getting to watch her every point makes me better.”

Shoji feels Kahakai has national team potential.

“She’s been great on defense,” he said. “She’s now playing middle-back and it takes advantage of her ability, her range. She has really good instincts.

“If she can improve her passing, that’s what it takes to become good internationally. When we looked at her in high school, it was pretty obvious she was going to be a good player. It’s a pretty neat story when you think about where she comes from.”

Straight out of Kalihi, with its tough-neighborhood reputation. Kahakai’s family spent time in several of the housing projects before moving into a home.

“I was raised in housing before we moved to Ewa,” redshirt junior defensive specialist Faith Ma’afala said. “ ’Vanah is giving it a new name, and it’s a good one.”

Ma’afala’s transfer from Southern Utah reunited her with Kahakai, her former club and beach volleyball teammate. The two had a successful run on the junior beach circuit, winning gold at the 2013 AAU Pan Pacific Championships.

“I remember when she first walked into the gym,” Ma’afala said of the tryouts at Kalihi-Palama Gym. “Man, this girl is amazing. At the time, she was maybe even shorter than me but she could jump.

“Our families are very close so we have that relationship. She’s improved so much from the time she was in high school. It’s been great to see her grow.”

Kahakai continues to be one of the strongest Wahine in the weight room. She broke Aven Lee’s 14-year-old squat record in 2015 with 317 pounds; in July, her power clean of 198 pounds was three better than the old mark set by Elizabeth Ka’aihue.

Her weight room feats are all part of the athletic genes. Dad Talbot played football and basketball for Farrington, mom Aneka played college volleyball.

“I’ve always been around it, my whole family played volleyball,” Kahakai said. “It was my dream to play for Hawaii. My family has supported me and helped me realize it.”

NOTE: Kahakai said she hopes to join the beach volleyball team in spring. Ma’afala said she may do so in spring 2018.