Any setter who steps into the Hawaii volleyball program steps into a legacy of grace and greatness. “Those sweet hands” have lifted the Rainbow Wahine to many a victory, from Joyce Ka‘apuni to Nahaku Brown, Martina Cincerova to Kanoe Kamana‘o, not to mention current Hawaii head coach Robyn Ah Mow-Santos.

The 41-year-old Ah Mow-Santos still sets during practice, putting her work ethic on display in the most visible way. It is not lost on Norene Iosia, who aspires to the same greatness as lived by her coach, a three-time Olympian.

“What she has taught me is you can never take a play off,” said Iosia, who competed for the U.S. Junior National Team this summer. “We are accountable the entire time.”

Hawaii will be in good hands this season with Iosia, who started all but three matches last season. Her all-around game is what Ah Mow-Santos expects from all of her players; Iosia led the team with 31 aces in addition to 231 digs and 53 blocks en route to All-Big West first-team honors.

Although senior Kendra Koelsch has three years experience as a reserve setter, her role this season looks to be as an outside hitter. Koelsch continues to take reps at two positions and “I have no problem putting her in at either,” Ah Mow- Santos said.

However, it is junior transfer Faith Ma‘afala who is slotted to be Iosia’s backup, a plan put on hold after Ma‘afala was injured during the first week of practice. The Kamehameha Schools graduate redshirted last season after playing at Southern Utah for two years; she has been cleared.

“Faith has been our utility player,” Ah Mow-Santos said. “If I need her to set, she’ll set. If it’s to go in to serve, or go in and play defense, then she’ll do that. I coached her in club, so I know what she can do.

“She’s got the passion for the sport and dedication to her teammates. I won’t hesitate to put her in to set.”