San Diego high school junior Lipscomb commits to Wahine

Just as in chess, volleyball coaches always are thinking several moves ahead. That includes recruiting, where Hawaii has its first oral commitment for the 2017 season.

Shaney Lipscomb, a 6-foot-1 junior at Cathedral Catholic High in San Diego, “couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for such a legendary coach and for a great program,” she said. “My family has been coming to Hawaii every year since I was 2 and I’ve always loved it.

“When I stepped onto campus (last week), I immediately felt at home.”

Lipscomb played the past two seasons for La Jolla Country Day School, where she helped the Torreys to the 2013 CIF title as a freshman and the CIF quarterfinals last year. She is a six-rotation player who led the team in kills (319) and blocks (53), was second in digs and fourth in aces as a sophomore.

Lipscomb, whose father, Jeff, played basketball and beach volleyball professionally, played middle this summer for Coast Volleyball Club but is projected to play opposite for the Dons the next two seasons.

“She can play left, right, middle, but I expect her to be a right-side player (in college),” Coast executive director Ozhan Bahrambeygui said. “She is a big-time competitor with a big arm and a big personality. I think the volleyball community in Hawaii is going to love her spirit.

“She’s going to fit right in at Hawaii.”

Lipscomb had narrowed her choices to Hawaii and Clemson, the latter in the mix because “it would be a different type of experience,” said. “But I grew up on the beach, love to surf, and knew that Hawaii would be perfect for so many reasons.

“It has always felt like a second home. I felt a great connection with the coaches. It’s very exciting.”

Lipscomb is a former Coast teammate of current Wahine freshman hitter Casey Castillo.

The Rainbow Wahine coaches cannot discuss Lipscomb or any other recruit until the player has signed a binding National Letter of Intent.

Hawaii already has three oral commits for 2016, all from California, in 5-11 setter Norene Iosia (Redondo Union); 6-2 outside hitter Kirsten Sibley (Campolindo) and 5-8 libero Emma Smith (Mira Costa).