Aloha ball

They started their college careers at schools on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

But setter Joby Ramos, outside hitters Jace Olsen and Johann Timmer, and middle blockers Nick West and Aniefre Etim-Thomas — now University of Hawaii volleyball players — will play their final home matches against Brigham Young on Friday and Saturday night in the Stan Sheriff Center.

"It’s been a good run," said Ramos, a 2010 Roosevelt High graduate. "I definitely had some of the best times of my life here. It’s something I’m going to miss."

Ramos played his first two seasons at Pacific before deciding to transfer to UH in August 2012. Even at 6 feet, Ramos seized the starting job from taller players.

This season, he has been responsible for widening the offensive menu with quick feeds to the middle hitters and back-row attackers.

Olsen was raised in Los Angeles and spent his first two seasons at Penn State. He opted to transfer, fulfilling a longtime dream of playing in Hawaii.

"It’s been completely worth it," said Olsen, who enrolled in August 2012. "I’m so blessed to come to this school from another school, and just be welcomed here as part of the family by the coaching staff, the fans and the team. They’re gracious enough to let me come in and keep playing."

Olsen has developed into an efficient passer and defender, averaging 1.14 digs per set. During fall training, he was selected as a co-captain.

"I’m getting goose bumps thinking about the bonds with these guys, the times we’ve shared," Olsen said. "It’s special both ways. I miss my guys at Penn State, but at the same time, I get to graduate with these four special human beings. It’s pretty sweet."

Timmer’s UH career could have been flavored bittersweet. After a year at Rangitoto College in New Zealand, where he was raised, he signed to succeed opposite Jonas Umlauft, who decided to return to Germany. Timmer started before incurring injuries and ailments. The past two seasons, he has been used as the serving specialist, although he started against Pacific in a recent match and will be in the rotation Friday.

"Obviously, I wanted to play more," Timmer said. "Anyone’s goal is to play more. I accepted what was given to me. I trained and gave my best, and whatever happens, happens. If I play, I play. It’s a team sport. Not everyone is going to play."

Timmer said he has remained optimistic.

"I could still be at home not having the opportunity," he said. "The opportunity has been great. When times seem tough, I look at what I had and what I have now, and I have a lot now."

UH had heavily recruited West, who chose to sign with UC Irvine. After two years there — one redshirting, one playing — he called the UH coaches.

"I still had the contacts," said West, who joined UH in the 2012 summer. "It worked out nicely."

West’s unique style — muttonchops, John Stockton-length shorts — camouflaged his blocking and quick-strike swings.

"I had a fun time living in the competition, and being quirky and energetic," West said. "In that sense, volleyball allowed me to do that."

This year, having reclaimed the starting job after recovering from last year’s injuries, West is realizing volleyball’s monetary potential.

"I take volleyball more seriously as a career opportunity, whereas before I kind of used it as self-entertainment. … Now I view it as a potential job."

West said he has fond memories of his UH career.

"I had a blast out here," he said. ‘I wouldn’t have changed anything on how it all went down."

Etim-Thomas also has few regrets despite even fewer playing opportunities. He has appeared in 10 matches in two seasons since transferring from Long Beach City College.

"My mom always taught me to be optimistic and keep working," Etim-Thomas said. "Of course, I wanted to play more. But I didn’t let it affect me in practice or going to games. I always had the mentality I could get in at any time."

Etim-Thomas was skilled in basketball, but decided to pursue volleyball.

"I stuck to it, and I’m glad to see how far it took me."