FIFTH OF SEVEN PARTS

Kaela Goodman comes from a family who loves the surf. The first six years of her life — and every summer since — were spent on Maui. Father Pat is head designer for Maui-based Cabrinha, the world’s premier kitesurfing brand.

Yet Kaela’s volleyball career at Hawaii has been all about not making waves.

"She’s been no maintenance, not even low maintenance," says coach Dave Shoji. "Just a solid person all the way around. She quietly goes about her business, but she takes care of business."

With Goodman, you never even have to ask once, let alone twice. The senior is as relentless in the gym as she is in the classroom, where she earned her English degree in three years. She will get her masters in May. In her spare time — around practices and games, road trips and 22-unit semesters — she tutors other student-athletes at the Nagatani Academic Center.

She is at least as much a student as an athlete, and has a pretty good idea where she will be in a few years. Goodman would love to travel, but ultimately wants to help other students love school the way she does.

"Teaching is what I want to do, maybe advising somewhere," she says. "Something in education, high school or above, community college maybe. I really like working at Nagatani as a mentor and tutor. I’ve done it three years now. Something along the lines of that would be good."

What she has learned on the volleyball court might be even more complex than any class. Goodman has started four matches in four years for the Rainbow Wahine, who host UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly tonight and Saturday.

Her offense has never been quite dynamic enough for a full-time gig.

"It’s mainly her armswing," Shoji explains. "She’s got strength, but her arm is just not as fast as, say, Emily (Hartong). That’s the difference."

With 6-foot-3 freshman Nikki Taylor stunningly effective so far on the right side, Goodman has truly evolved into Hawaii’s designated blocker.

"She doesn’t jump through the roof," associate coach Scott Wong says, "but she knows where to put her hands and the best place to put them is over the net."

That blocking talent was on display two weeks ago when she stuffed UC Riverside six times, despite playing less than a set.

"Blocking is really my speciality," Goodman acknowledges happily. "I love blocking and I always try to bring energy when I’m on the court. That’s a big focus of mine. That continues off the court, so if somebody else is more low energy or struggling that way I try to pick them up."

The high school high jumper has warmed to the reserve role more each season. She has learned patience and exquisite technique in equal amounts, and never complained. She will never fully accept not starting — what athlete would? — but has made her peace with it.

"It’s changed every year," she says. "It’s something you have to re-accept. Each season you come in with the mind-set you are going to do as much for the team as possible. If what I’m doing has been enough, then that’s good. Good for me. I’m happy."

While her playing time is erratic, her impact on the team has become constant, particularly as a nurturer and especially now that sister Kyra is a redshirt freshman on the team.

"I think my confidence in my role has been the biggest thing that has changed," Kaela says. "I’m very comfortable approaching people, helping them fine-tune things."

The Goodmans’ mother, Heather Bubnis, played middle blocker for Cal. She was Seabury Hall’s volleyball coach until Kaela was born. Her father — who now lives in Taiwan — had a windsurfing company. Grandparents Tim and Kathy Mennealy still have a home in Haiku and their son Ryan was a setter at Long Beach State.

Kaela didn’t pick up the game until eighth grade.The plan was to play in California, close to home. Then UH recruited her and she saw Oahu for the first time.

"It’s different from Maui more than it’s different from California," Goodman says. "A lot more different."

It might not have matched Maui’s laid-back lifestyle, but once Goodman got here, she was hooked.

"I liked that it was different from Maui," Goodman said. "And I loved the game I went to. The atmosphere is unfathomable — even that people know who you are off the court and they want to know you. It really sets you apart. I think it’s good. I could see the downside of it, but it’s really something you should appreciate."

She has, as much as anyone, for four years now. Her sister has come along for what has been a spectacular senior ride so far. Her advanced degree is a little more than a semester away. Her family is happy, and pretty much all here.

Kaela just has one regret.

"I really want to learn how to kite surf," she says, "but I love surfing."

That might mean you will see her here long after her volleyball career ends. Goodman’s Hawaii "home away from home" has made her particular about her waves and weather.

"I don’t surf in California," she says. "Too cold."