When Arizona comes here for Hawaii’s Verizon Volleyball Classic next month, Jane Croson will be with the Wildcats, and most likely on the court against her former teammates Sept. 14.
Arizona coach Dave Rubio confirmed Tuesday that Croson has been given her release by Hawaii and is now eligible to play this season. She has been on the Wildcats’ roster for weeks, but could not have played this year without UH coach Dave Shoji granting her a release.
When Croson first broached the subject of transfering, during the sand volleyball season in the spring, Shoji said he did not want to release the two-time all-conference hitter and see her on the other side of the court three weeks into the season. Last month that had changed, Shoji saying "I don’t have a problem with it now, I really don’t."
Croson missed the last road trip of the sand season to focus on academics.
She was suspended last fall during the indoor season.
"There is so much stuff that comes with Jane and everybody knows that," Rubio said. "From start to finish it was quite a process. Dave has been very good, a good friend, through it all and really wants what’s best for Jane.
"What was most important for me in the process was my friendship with Dave …I consider him a very close colleague and friend. With that in mind he and I had a few conversations. He let me know what was going on with Jane and her transfering and ultimately allowing her to play here. I really appreciate him allowing that."
Rubio’s team has missed the NCAA tournament four times in the past seven seasons, falling in the first round the other three years. Rubio believes Croson can have a huge impact and already seems to have his starting hitters lined up, unlike Hawaii.
"Jane really fits a specific need we have," he said. "We are always one player shy on the left. Players like Jane don’t fall off a tree when you shake it. She is experienced, well-skilled, she’s got size, can hit hard.
"It’s hard for us at the University of Arizona to get a player that accomplished. We have Madi Kingdon, who is very similar to Jane, but it has taken a few years to develop her. Jane will be very complementary and help us on the left. That really allows us to move Taylor Arizobal to opposite, which is her best position."
Rubio said coaches would see where Croson is academically before considering the sand season. Croson won the 2010 FIVB Youth (19-under) Beach World Championships in 2010.
"What I like to try and do is wipe the slate clean and hope for the best," Rubio said. "Keep players accountable and keep an eye on them. All our eyes are on her. We’ve got her surrounded. … It’s no different than what Dave was doing. We’ve been doing this a long time now. Every athlete has to play their part in success. I hope Jane runs with her second chance and takes advantage of it."
Sand team fundraiser
The booster club for Hawaii’s sand volleyball team will hold a benefit next month to raise funds to bolster the home schedule.
Last spring, the Rainbow Wahine played their first two dates at home and spent the rest of the season on the road.
The club’s first Portuguese Horseshoe Tournament is Sept. 8, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. at Hunakai Park in Kahala. Entry fee is $125 per player or $200 for a two-person team. Those who don’t want to play can contribute $50 to be on the Wahine Cheer Squad.
Participants get food and drinks along with an opportunity to win prizes, meet the team and see a beach volleyball demonstration.
One booster will match every dollar donated up to $25,000, so those who can’t come are asked to donate.
Horseshoe players can register online at hawaiiathletics.com (women’s sand volleyball link). For more information, call 394-7650 or email sandvb@hawaii.edu.
The Wahine begin their third sand season this school year. There were 18 teams the inaugural season and 32 last season. More than 50 are projected to play in the spring.
Carey gets married
Former Wahine Jennifer Carey married John Dorr earlier this month in McCall, Idaho. Margaret (Vakasausau) Francois, who shared the setting position with Carey during their careers, was a bridesmaid. The newlyweds donated to the American Heart Association and the "Kea, Kili, Kai and Koa" March of Dimes Fund, in their guests’ honor. That fund is named after the two sets of twins born to former UH teammate Lily (Kahumoku) Olteanu. All four infants died after being born prematurely.
Single-game tickets on sale
Tickets are now on sale for individual volleyball matches. They can be purchased at the Stan Sheriff Center box office (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), online (etickethawaii.com) or by calling 944-2697. Cost is $17 for lower level, and $12 (adult), $10 (senior citizen) and $5 (student) upper level. UH-Manoa students are free with a valid UH identification card.
Season tickets are still on sale. "Go Green, Save Green" discount tickets — select seats at half off and "mini-packs" of six matches for the price of three — are also available online through Aug. 28.
