In volleyball, one CAN come home again. Especially when it means coming home to Hawaii.
That is the case for Daniel Rasay, the former Rainbow Warrior reserve setter (2002-05), who is in his 10th season as an assistant for No. 8 Stanford. Being back in the Stan Sheriff Center means more than the usual match prep for an opponent — in this case No. 2 Hawaii — it means sharing his memories as a player and a fan with his team.
“Coming back to the arena is extremely fun and very nostalgic,” the 2000 Konawaena graduate said. “It’s always a part of you after you spent so much time in there, not just with practices and games, but watching when I was growing up.
“Early on when I heard, ‘Point, Warriors’ I had to get used to it meaning it was now the other team. It’s one of the great experiences of my life and helped shape my experience as a coach.”
Not only does Rasay get to renew old acquaintances this week, so do the Cardinal and Warriors. Last season marked the first time since 1980 that the squads did not meet due to being in different leagues.
It was more than a loss of competition, Rasay feels. It was a loss of the connection to the uniqueness that is volleyball in the state of Hawaii.
“Growing up in Hawaii, it’s part of the culture,” he said. “The crowd is very passionate and knowledgeable. But there’s also a sense of gratitude.
“This is the first time in a long time that we don’t have any kids from Hawaii on our team and John (head coach Kosty) and I were just talking about how we need to get more kids from Hawaii. It’s the cultural pieces they bring, being grateful for each other. Our guys are always surprised that these strangers are giving them leis and gifts when we play there. We tell them that they’re showing you appreciation of your talents. It’s the support not just for volleyball but for each other.”
Stanford does have a few ties to Hawaii outside of Rasay and Kosty, the latter whose brother Chris played for the Warriors (1998-99). On the Cardinal roster are sophomore opposite Jaylen Jasper, son of former UH quarterback Ivin and Wahine basketball player Donna Gondringer Jasper; and sophomore middle Kyler Presho, son of former Warrior All-American Mark.
One other connection is senior hitter Jordan Ewert, who played club ball with Hawaii senior setter Joe Worsley, junior middle Patrick Gasman and sophomore libero Gage Worsley at Pacific Rim Volleyball Academy. The club is run by the Worsley’s father Roger, who was the technical director at Stanford during the 2010 NCAA championship season as well as technical adviser for the Warriors in 2001.
“It’s always super fun to see a club mate,” Gage Worsley said. “You see me and Colten (junior hitter Cowell) do a two-man serve-receive? Me and Jordan used to do the same thing from when we were really young. Fun to be able to see each other. Never played against him so that’s going to be fun.
“We’ve been counting the days down until we get to go against an opponent. Preparing for an opponent because at the end of the week, you have the match to look forward to.”
Hawaii (3-0) is coming off two bye weeks and, having played just three matches — all sweeps — there’s not a lot of scouting material Stanford has to work with.
“We’re trying to figure out Hawaii’s weaknesses,” Rasay said. “There’s not a whole lot (of tape) to watch. It will be a challenge for all our guys and I’m not sure what the game plan is.
“You want to key on tendencies but it’s difficult to plan for their starters. And then they have depth. The biggest difference between the last time we saw them (in 2017) is their maturity and experience. Joe (Worsley) runs a pretty amazing offense. We had a hard time defending Stijn (senior hitter van Tilburg) when he was a right-side player and now he’s transitioned into being a really good pin hitter.
“We’re definitely concerned about their many weapons.”
This is the first road trip for Stanford, which has dropped just three sets in seven victories. The only loss against four ranked opponents came when splitting a two-match series with then-No. 2 UC Irvine two weeks ago.
The Warriors rank No. 1 in three team categories nationally: hitting percentage (.493), kills per set (14.78) and assists per set (13.33). Van Tilburg is No. 1 in hitting percentage (.585).
RAINBOW WARRIOR
VOLLEYBALL
At Stan Sheriff Center
No. 8 Stanford (7-1) vs. No. 2 Hawaii (3-0)
>> When: Friday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m.
>> TV: Spectrum Sports
>> Radio: KKEA 1420-AM
>> Series: Hawaii leads, 41-38
