Hawaii athletes up for woman of the year

University of Hawaii volleyball players Nikki Taylor and Carly Kan are two of five Hawaii athletes nominated for NCAA woman of the year.

A record 543 graduating student-athletes were nominated by NCAA schools. Also nominated were Manhattan College’s Allie Yamashiro (volleyball), Hawaii Pacific’s Nicole Hoynaski (tennis) and Hawaii Hilo’s Lauren Hong (basketball).

Taylor competed for UH’s indoor and beach volleyball teams. Kan was nominated by Missouri, where she spent four years on the indoor volleyball team. She played this past spring for UH’s beach team as a graduate student. Taylor and Kan helped the beach team finish third at May’s NCAA Championship. Taylor is the beach program’s career wins leader.

Taylor closed out the indoor season with her second straight AVCA All-America second-team honor. Kan was named honorable mention.

Yamashiro, a Kamehameha graduate, is Manhattan’s career digs leader. Hoynaski earned All-America honors at HPU. Hong was a two-year captain for the Vulcans.

The NCAA woman of the year honors female athletes who have completed their eligibility and distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service and leadership.

The pool of athletes will be narrowed down by conferences and the award committee. The winner will be announced on Oct. 22 in Indianapolis.