Koelsch a hit with a camera

Artists have a different view of the world.

A different perspective, a different way of looking at things.

Angles, colors, shades, hues … sometimes seeing what others don’t, sometimes tweaking what others do see, either with a stroke of a brush or a filter on a camera lens.

It’s that mind-set, that ability to deal with reality and find a way to improve upon it.

It is how Kendra Koelsch, four years into her Hawaii volleyball career, has successfully transitioned to a new position. It’s been on-the-job training for the 6-foot-1 Koelsch, who has moved from being a reserve setter — starting when needed — and a situational blocking sub to the starting right-side hitter for the Rainbow Wahine (13-6, 7-1).

“I think my background (in art and photography) has helped me in life, seeing things in different ways,” Koelsch said as Hawaii prepared for tonight’s match with UC Riverside at the Stan Sheriff Center. “You can make ugly things look good.

“You can take things at face value, like criticism, or you can make it into something positive. I’m using this opportunity to better myself and help the team in whatever way I can.”

Koelsch, originally recruited to UH as a beach volleyball player, backed up Tayler Higgins her first two seasons and then Norene Iosia last year. With the graduation of second-team All-America opposite Nikki Taylor, Hawaii needed an option on the right and found it in the combination of athleticism and work ethic worn by No. 2.

It’s rare that a volleyball player can make such a switch this late in a Division I career, but Koelsch is known for a no-fear attitude, one showcased during surf contests when she competed for Huntington Beach (Calif.) High. One doesn’t shoot the HB pier and come out unscathed without a certain level of moxie.

“Kendra’s mind-set is that she comes into the gym every single day with the goal of getting better,” Hawaii assistant coach Kaleo Baxter said. “Whatever the team needs her to do, she’ll step up. She’s joked about getting reps in the middle because she’ll do that if that’s what the team needs.

“She’s doing a nice job at opposite for us because of her hard work and dedication to being the best player she can be. Her ability to transition to a new position, create points after never being trained as an outside hitter is a complete testament to her athletic ability and mind-set of doing whatever it takes to help the team.”

There have been highs and lows for Koelsch … career-high 10 kills in the five-set loss to UCLA, negative .091 hitting percentage in Saturday’s five-set win at Cal State Northridge — but she brings instant energy to the court. Her experience at setter also gives Hawaii a real chance on the off-play when Koelsch can set the second ball.

It’s given her a new perspective about her former position.

“Before I had to dish out a really great set,” Koelsch said. “Now I’m relying on someone to dish me a great set so that I can do something with the ball.

“It’s been really fun playing outside. My technique needs work and I wish I had three more years to see where I’d be.”

Koelsch isn’t sure where she’ll be in 2020. Perhaps in the midst of a pro volleyball career, or teaching on the mainland with the goal of returning to Hawaii. (She’s currently at Waikiki School as a teacher-candidate and will be student teaching there in the spring).

“And photography is something I’ve loved since I was little,” said Koelsch, who worked as a photographer in high school. “I was home-schooled (until sixth grade), was always painting, and working with photo applications on the computer. But I really liked being behind the (camera) lens. There’s something about the abstract and seeing things differently.”

The one thing she never saw differently was playing at Hawaii, which began even before she took up the sport. She and friends would go watch matches at nearby Long Beach State and UC Irvine “and when Hawaii was playing there, I’d always be cheering for them,” she said. “It’s where I always wanted to go.

“It’s been a surreal experience. I’m playing for an entire state, for all these wonderful people. I’ve been blessed.”