Rainbow Wahine’s Long won’t be back next season

Hawaii junior outside hitter Ginger Long has decided not to return next volleyball season to play for the Rainbow Wahine. Long, who redshirted in 2011, had one year of eligibility remaining.

The Kamehameha-Maui graduate said she was focusing on finishing her degree work in interdisciplinary studies in order to graduate in May and then pursue a Master’s program. The two-time Maui Interscholastic Player of the Year also said she will not play sand volleyball in the spring. She was 32-10 with Ali Longo as the SandBows finished third nationally last year.

"I’ve enjoyed being part of this legacy," Long said Wednesday. "The dynamics of this program are amazing."

Although not officially a senior, she has been in the program for four years, and it is expected that she will be recognized Saturday along with senior middle Kalei Adolpho and senior libero Sarah Mendoza after the regular-season finale against UC Davis at the Stan Sheriff Center.