A prolific outside hitter from San Diego has decided to join the University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team in August 2015.
Brandon Rattray, a senior at Rancho Bernardo High, found a picture-perfect way to notify the UH coaches of his decision. His father, Ross, texted a picture of the family wearing UH apparel and lei.
"That’s how we informed Jeff," Ross Rattray said, referring to Jeff Hall, the Warriors’ associate head coach and point recruiter.
Brandon Rattray will sign with the Warriors on Nov. 12, the first day high school seniors may put their volleyball commitments in writing.
"The phone’s been ringing off the hook," Ross Rattray said. "Everyone’s excited for Brandon — our whole family, friends, coaches, club teammates."
Rattray’s 447 kills were second nationally among high school juniors last season.
Rattray, who projects to play left-side hitter for the Warriors, is 6 feet 5. But he has a wing span of 80 inches, is capable of touching 10 feet 6 on a block jump, and 11-2 on an approach jump.
He also plays water polo, basketball and baseball.
As a member of the Seaside Volleyball Club, Rattray participated in the Junior National tournament in Houston in August. Volleyball coaches from six NCAA schools interviewed Rattray for about 15 minutes apiece. UH’s Hall spent 90 minutes with Rattray and his family.
"It was a great bond of relationship," Ross Rattray said.
Brandon Rattray and his parents visited Cal State Northridge two weeks ago and UH last weekend. Before returning to San Diego on Sunday, Brandon told his father: "This is the most amazing place I’ve ever been. I love it. I love the coaches, the school, the facilities, the players. I want to spend my college days at the University of Hawaii."
Rattray plans to major in business.
Ross Rattray said Hall led a tour of the island, and introduced the family to academic counselors.
"(Hall) showed us what it’s like to be part of the University of Hawaii," the elder Rattray said. "It told our family this is a good fit. We were looking for a good fit, and this was it."
