UH’s Kanetake all about the mind-set

Good was never good enough. Not for Kolby Kanetake. Not when great was within reach.

The Hawaii senior libero had an inner drive to push beyond what many called his “natural talent” for the sport, becoming a sponge for all things volleyball and the particular nuances that define his position.

It’s a different mind-set, that of a libero, especially considering that Kanetake also was a setter and an outside hitter at Moanalua High. But if there was to be playing life after helping Na Menehune to four league championships it would be limited to defensive specialist.

The 5-foot-8 Kanetake was more than fine with that. It has helped him attain his dream, that of playing in front of family and friends as a Rainbow Warrior, and where, on Saturday night, he will be feted as only Hawaii does on senior night.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in that this is it in the arena,” Kanetake said of the final home matches against Cal Baptist tonight and Saturday. “I know it will be very special and emotional.

“It’s why I wanted to stay home and play, be part of the atmosphere that is like nowhere else. An environment where fans know and respect the game, and care so much about it. I tried to embrace being here, make the most of every opportunity. I knew that working hard and being at my best would help the team.”

Kanetake also wanted to continue a legacy of “local” players playing for Hawaii, something he saw while in the stands watching his future club coach Vernon Podlewski on the court. Podlewski, a Maui High product, was the libero on the Warriors’ 2002 NCAA championship team (the title later vacated due to an ineligible player).

“It was inspiring to watch a local player who doesn’t have the height excel,” Kanetake said of the 5-8 Podlewski. “I’ve always tried to be an inspiration to the other athletes out there who might think they can’t make it to Division I because they’re too small.

“It’s really all about your mind-set. If you put your mind to something, have dreams and goals, there is no such thing as impossible.”

Against a number of odds, Kanetake has gone from walk-on to honorable mention All-American, climbing to No. 3 on Hawaii’s all-time dig list. His 757 digs trails only Ric Cervantes (936) and Alfred Reft (815) — both of whom are from an era where sets were played to 30. Last season, Kanetake was second in the conference and fifth nationally with 305 digs despite missing 11 matches due to back issues.

Kanetake played last season with a disc herniation, something that occurred during a weight-room workout in fall 2014. This season, he is playing with two herniated discs, which had him sitting out the second road match at CSUN.

“I’m trying my best not to left it affect me,” Kanetake said. “Sometimes I know I’m a little slower to react to a ball, maybe a little more hesitant.

“I know the pain will be there, it’s not going away. I just have to work through the challenge.”

That’s been Kanetake’s mantra since arriving in Manoa.

“I’m so proud of him,” Hawaii coach Charlie Wade said. “He’s gone from a kid who just wanted a shot, who just wanted to play to (honorable mention) All-American last year and preseason All-American this year and someone who has played such a central role in this program.

“He’s made himself into a very good college volleyball player. There are a bunch of kids from here who were way better coming out of high school than he was who haven’t had the career that Kolby has. His time with us and what he’s meant to the program, the community recognizing him … he will feel the effects of that for the rest of his life.”

Kanetake will graduate in four years with a degree in kinesiology and rehabilitation sciences. His goal is to be a college coach, something he has gotten a taste of this spring as a volunteer assistant for the Rainbow Wahine as part of one of his classes.

“That’s been fun, seeing the difference in styles of practices,” he said.

Kanetake said being third on the career list was nice, but “it’s never been about the numbers,” he added.

However that will change Saturday. The number of family and friends wearing Kanetake’s “No. 6” shirts at the Stan Sheriff Center just might be double the number of digs (214) the libero has this season.

Note

Also being honored Saturday are outside hitters Siki Zarkovic, eighth all-time in kills for UH (1,256), and reserve Brandon Hiehle.