Pride, patience drive UH’s Ponce

Dark is relative. It’s the same whether it’s 4 a.m. or it’s 6 a.m., whether getting up for the commute from Ewa to Manoa or arriving at the Stan Sheriff Center to get taped for the first of two-a-day practices.

Hours, weeks and months … for five years … for moments of playing time.

For what? And for why?

The answers are the same for Katiana “Ana” Ponce as they have been for the dozens of walk-ons who have ever worn a Hawaii volleyball uniform.

Love of the game. Pride in being a Rainbow Wahine.

“I don’t think anything can compare to having that title,” said Ponce, one of four Hawaii seniors who will be honored after Saturday’s final home match. “It’s special and, being a local girl, it’s really special.

“Nothing can replace being a part of this program.”

The Moanalua High graduate had thoughts of not sticking it out for five seasons — she redshirted in 2012 — of concentrating on her degree in Travel Industry Management (she graduates next month). But the passion for the sport overruled the practical.

It was in her blood. The Ponce volleyball family tree included dad Warren and older sisters Kristen and Kaylee, all of whom played in college.

“I literally grew up in the gym,” the 5-foot-3 defensive specialist said. “My dad started teaching me how to play before I barely could walk. I never was interested in any other sport.

“I thought about how my life could be without volleyball and I couldn’t picture it at all. The love I have for the game is strong. It’s what I love to do.“

Her dedication is not lost on her coaches.

“It’s great for the program to have kids like her,” Wahine coach Dave Shoji said. “She’s always ready to be in there when we need her.”

Added volunteer coach Tom Pestolesi: “There’s never been a hint of bitterness over playing time or anything. She’s been such a big contributor and she hasn’t even played that much. She gives her best effort all the time and is just stoked to be in the program.”

Coming into tonight’s match with Cal Poly, Ponce had played briefly in 61 matches, including 15 this season. She’s only seen the back row as a serving sub, which made one play during Wednesday practice more than memorable: Ponce blocked 6-3 sophomore Casey Castillo.

Ponce isn’t the only Wahine senior who has seen limited playing time this year. Setter Tayler Higgins, a starter for the past two seasons, has been playing behind freshman Norene Iosia.

“You have to give them both a lot of credit,” senior opposite Nikki Taylor said. “As tough as it’s been on Tayler, it’s even tougher on Ana. She’s been doing what Tayler’s been doing for five years.”

It’s been worth it, Ponce said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to stay home, play in front of my family and friends,” said Ponce, who has been accepted into the Disney College Program at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida “My legacy? I would like to be known as someone who works hard, does her best no matter what, that even though I am small, I can still play Division I volleyball.”