College volleyball coaches really dig Hawaii’s development of defensive skills.
Hawaii has provided nearly a hundred back row players at all levels of collegiate volleyball, close to home and 5,000 miles away and everywhere in between.
None of them stand 6 feet tall and are often overlooked. The AVCA hasn’t had more than one libero on its 14-player Division I All-America team since 2018. Even when Hawaii lucks into generational terminators like Elena Oglivie of ‘Iolani (5-foot-10) and Kamehameha’s Keonilei Akana (5-9) — both of whom were outside hitters in high schools — they are shifted into the back row when they get to the next level. Last year’s AVCA first-team All-America hitters averaged about 6-foot-21⁄2.
Oglivie went to Stanford and led the Pac-12 in digs last season and the senior is third on the program’s career list in digs per set with 4.28 ahead of luminaries like Kerri Walsh and Logan Tom. Akana left Hawaii for Nebraska and eventually ended up at Texas, where she aced Louisville for championship point and has 658 career digs.
After being unstoppable in high school, Oglivie and Akana have combined for just one kill in the past two years.
They are two of just 33 liberos in NCAA Division I who call Hawaii home.
In all, there are 81 girls from 59 colleges who list Hawaii as their home playing Division I volleyball across the nation. Hawaii has the most hometown flavor with five island girls but is matched by Portland’s Robins ohana and friends. Nevada has four Hawaii girls on its 17-player varsity roster.
The program with the most island flavor can’t be found on our shores. Former ‘Iolani standout Kevin Aoki has gathered nine Hawaii girls from eight high schools to the Pacific Lutheran campus in Tacoma, Wash. The NCAA Division III school is a power in the Northwest Conference with 11 championships in Aoki’s 27 years at the school but started this season 0-4 with ‘Iolani’s Torie Takeuchi and Haley Goto playing every match along with Le Jardin product Halle Hetzler. Other Lutes include Alazah Faumui (Farrington), Sydney Aoki (Punahou), Noe Feliciano (Pearl City), Hailey Iha (Kauai), Savanna Colliado (Kamehameha-Hawaii) and Callie Simmonds (Maryknoll).
NCAA Division I
Arizona State Sun Devils
Hokulani Perez MB 6-0 Fr. Moanalua
Army Knights
Ashli Alcala-Romero L 5-5 So. Maryknoll
Auburn Tigers
Zoe Slaughter L 5-7 So. Moanalua
Brigham Young Cougars
Aria McComber L 5-6 Gr. Punahou
Brown Bears
Melie Vaioleti L/DS 5-7 Fr. Punahou
Cal Poly Mustangs
Jolei Akima L/DS 5-6 Jr. Kamehameha
Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners
Nene Hawkins S 5-8 Fr. Le Jardin
Cal state Fullerton Titans
Nadia Koanui L/DS 5-7 So. Kamehameha
California Golden Bears
Tara DeSa L 5-5 Sr. Kamehameha
Colorado State Rams
Kate Yoshimoto DS 5-2 So. Punahou
Kekua Richards MB 6-7 Fr. Seabury Hall
Coppin State Eagles
Kaliko Schilling OH 6-0 Fr. Kahuku
Delaware State Hornets
Kaulana Kalulu-Sugai S 5-7 Fr. Damien
East Tennessee State Bucs
Isabelle Iosua OH 6-0 So. Punahou
Eastern Washington Eagles
Jannie Blake S 5-7 Fr. Kahuku
Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
Madisyn Beirne OH 5-11 Sr. Punahou
George Mason Patriots
Nani Spaar OH 6-0 Gr. KS-Hawaii
Harvard Crimson
Teia Piette L 5-5 Jr. Le Jardin
Hawaii Rainbow Wahine
Colby Lane DS/L 5-4 Jr. McKinley
Jackie Matias S 5-9 Fr. Punahou
Tyla Reese Mane OH 6-1 Jr. Aiea
Tayli Ikenaga L 5-5 Jr. Moanalua
Chandler Cowell OH 5-10 Gs. King Kekaulike
Illinois Fighting Illini
Maya Imoto-Eakin S 5-9 Fr. ‘Iolani
Jacksonville Dolphins
Lyric Love MB 5-10 Sr. King Kekaulike
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Hana Aina MB 6-0 Fr. Moanalua
Louisiana Ragin Cajuns
Siena DeCambra S 5-8 Jr. Baldwin
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Lauren Albrecht S 5-8 Jr. King Kekaulike
Loyola Maryland Greyhounds
Bryanne Soares S 5-7 Jr. Kamehameha
Maryland Baltimore County Retrievers
Aysia Miller L 5-10 Sr. Mililani
Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos
Kaia Dunford OH 5-11 Sr. Punahou
Navy Midshipmen
Anuhea Hauanio-Lore OH 5-9 So. ‘Iolani
Nevada Wolf Pack
Nicanora Clarke OH 6-0 So. Waianae
Sia Liilii OH 6-1 Jr. Punahou
Koen Makaula MB 5-10 Fr. Punahou
Mele Taumoepeau OH 6-0 Fr. Kahuku
Nevada Las Vegas RunninG Rebels
Isha Knight L 5-7 Jr. Kamehameha
Alyssa Muraoka L 5-6 Jr. Mid-Pacific
Niagara Purple Eagles
Paisley Ka’ahanui S 5-7 Fr. Punahou
North Carolina Central Eagles
Jeslyn Spencer OH 5-8 GS. Moanalua
North Carolina State Wolfpack
Kristen McDaniel S 5-10 GS. ‘Iolani
North Texas Mean Green
Aleeyah Galdeira L/DS 5-6 Sr. Kamehameha
Northeastern Huskies
Tessa Onaga DS/L 5-2 Fr. ‘Iolani
Pono Gacutan DS/L 5-5 So. Punahou
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles
Kalena Vaivai S 5-10 Sr. King Kekaulike
Pacific Tigers
Megan Nishimura L 5-8 Jr. ‘Iolani
Pittsburgh Panthers
Lexis Akeo S 5-8 Gs. Kamehameha
Haiti Tautua’a S 6-0 Fr. Waianae
Portland Pilots
Maui Robins OH 5-11 So. Kamehameha
Tatum Isa DS 5-2 Fr. Moanalua
Kili Robins OH 6-0 Gs. Kamehameha
Jordan Bardouche DS 5-5 Fr. Roosevelt
Taina Kaauwai MB 6-1 Fr KS-Hawaii
Quinnipiac Bobcats
Leilani-Kai Giusta OH 6-0 Fr. Moanalua
Fa’avae Kimsel Moe L 5-6 Jr. Punahou
Chloe Ka’ahanui S 5-8 Sr. Punahou
St. John’s Red Storm
Amariis Garcia MB 6-1 Sr. Moanalua
San Diego State Aztecs
Heipua Tautuaa OH 6-1 Sr. Waianae
Bailey Darnell L/DS 5-8 Sr. Radford
San Jose State Spartans
Mari Lawton MB 5-11 Fr. ‘Iolani
Santa Clara Broncos
Nive Tuileta S 5-10 Jr. Le Jardin
Seattle Redhawks
Erin Goya DS/L 5-5 Jr. Mid-Pacific
Seton Hall Pirates
Senna Roberts-Navarro OH 5-11 Fr. ‘Iolani
South Carolina State Bulldogs
Siela Avea OP 5-10 Sr. Kahuku
Southern Methodist Mustangs
Sina Uluave DS/L 5-11 Gr. Punahou
Stanford Cardinal
Elena Oglivie L 5-10 Sr. ‘Iolani
Tarleton Texans
Charlize Ching S 5-8 Fr. Kamehameha
Temple Owls
Falanika Danielson L 5-5 Sr. Mililani
Nikki Shimao DS/S 5-5 Sr. ‘Iolani
Texas Longhorns
Keonilei Akana L 5-9 Jr. Kamehameha
Devin Kahahawai OH 6-4 So. Kamehameha
Toledo Rockets
Brooke Naniseni OH 6-1 Fr. ‘Iolani
Rhyenne Filisi MB 6-2 Gr. Maryknoll
UC Davis Aggies
Reese Diersbock OH 6-0 Fr. Le Jardin
UC Irvine Anteaters
Becca Sakoda DS/L 5-9 Jr. ‘Iolani
UCLA Bruins
Mokihana Tufono L 5-10 So. ‘Iolani
UC Riverside Highlanders
Makena Tong S 5-6 So. University
Utah State Aggies
Shelby Capllonch OH 5-8 Gr. Damien
Utah Tech Trailblazers
Marley Roe S 5-8 Fr. Kamehameha
Virginia Tech Hokies
Lucky-Rose Williams OH 6-2 So. Punahou
NCAA Division II
Academy of Art Poets: OH Alohi Garcia, Fr., Waialua; L Reece Nakagawa, Fr., Mililani.
Alaska Anchorage Sea Wolves: S/DS Makana Eleneki, Jr., Kamehameha; OH Trinity Tatupu, Fr., Leilehua
Cal Poly Pomona-Pitzer Sage Hens: DS Lauren Asato, Sr., Punahou.
Cal State East Bay Pioneers: L/DS Kalea Kuamoo, Fr., KS-Hawaii; S Piilani Carvalho, Fr., University.
Chadron State Eagles: OH Natali Keni, So., Kahuku; MB Aiyana Fujiyama, Jr., Leilehua.
Chaminade Silverswords: L/DS Kyra Pagud, Fr., Moanalua; S/DS Allexis Iramina, So., Moanalua; OH Mahala Kaapuni, So., Hilo; L/DS Hula Crisostomo, GS., Moanalua; L/DS Nanna Inoue, Sr., King Kekaulike; OH Heavenly Campbell, Jr., Damien; OH Tanea Loa, Fr., Punahou.
Coker Cobras: OH Ramsaye Wahinekona, Sr., Sacred Hearts.
Colorado Springs Mountain Lions: OH Sydnee Walker, Fr., Le Jardin.
Davis & Elkins Senators: L/DS Haylie Marumoto, Jr., Punahou.
East Central Tigers: S Brooke Sarahina, Fr., Hawaii Baptist; MB Angel Nahinu, Jr., Kapolei.
Eckerd Tritons: DS Tiani Bello, Jr., Kamehameha-Hawaii.
Hawaii Hilo Vulcans: DS/L Madelyn Blandford, Jr., Kealakehe; OH Camilla Chun, So., Hawaii Technolgy; L Tani Hoke, Sr., Maryknoll; OH/MB Raelee Samio, Jr., Waimea; L/DS Baylee Goeas Galdeira, Fr., ‘Iolani; DS/L Isabella Aguinaldo, So., Christian Liberty.
Hawaii Pacific Sharks: L/DS Brynne Hopeau-Lampitoc, Sr., Campbell; S Tehani Pescaia, Jr., Kamehameha; S Pua Beazley, Sr., Maryknoll; L/DS Taylor Kaoihana, Fr., Kamehameha.
Humboldt Lumberjacks: L/DS Kaitlyn Patterson, Jr., Moanalua.
Missouri Southern Lions: S Caelyn Hasegawa, Fr., Seabury Hall.
Molloy Lions: OH Aria Miller, So., Mililani.
Quincy Hawks: L/S Nikki Apa, Fr., Roosevelt.
Saint Martin’s Saints: DS/L Tehani Yamashita, Fr., Aiea.
Savannah State Tigers: OH Montana Disegna, Jr., King Kekaulike.
Shaw Bears: OH Noelani Beard, GS., Castle.
Texas State A&M Dust Devils: OH Sierra Long, Fr., Pearl City.
Ursuline Arrows: OH Kenna-Seanne Casil, Jr., Campbell.
Virginia Union Panthers: L/OH Bethany Himalaya, Jr., Kapolei.
West Liberty Hilltoppers: S Dakoda Keni, Fr., Kahuku.
Western Oregon Wolves: OH Kilinoelehua Helm, Fr., KS-Hawaii.
Westminster College Griffins: OP Maya Hamaoka, Jr., Kalani; MB Hailey Killett, So., Lahainaluna
Wilmington University Wildcats: DS/L Ki’i Rilveria, So., Seabury Hall.
NCAA Division III
Alfred Saxons: OH Jamie Chun, Sr., Hilo.
Amherst Mammoths: DS Mia Nakamura, So., ‘Iolani; L Katelyn Hamasaki, Sr., Punahou.
Babson Beavers: DS Roz Cabuena, So., Maryknoll.
Bard Raptors: OH Ryan Lum, Sr., Punahou; OH Ami Evans, So., Kalani; DS Ellie Asada, So., ‘Iolani.
Beloit Bucaneers: S Keiki Pua’a, So., Mid-Pacific; DS/L Kaci Watanabe, Jr., Leilehua.
Bryn Mawr Owls: OH Saya Feldman, Fr., ‘Iolani.
California Lutheran Regals: OH Rayne Selhorst, Sr., Kalani; S Makenna Kawamura, Fr., ‘Iolani.
Chapman Panthers: L Liana Ono, Fr., Mid-Pacific.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athenas: L Ashley Murashige, Jr., ‘Iolani; OH Izzy Sakoda, Sr., ‘Iolani.
Connecticut College Camels: L Taylor Merrifield, Fr., Punahou.
Drew Rangers: L Lauren Gaza, Jr., Mililani.
Dubuque Spartans: OH Brandi McCreadie, Fr., Kaiser.
Earlham Quakers: L Akiko Tajima, Jr., Roosevelt.
Grinnell Pioneers: S Kylie-Ann Smith, Fr., Punahou; OH Hayley Taka, So., Hawaii Baptist.
Hartwick Hawks: OH Staecia Silofau, Jr., Maryknoll.
Lakeland Muskies: MB Safina Sandblom, Fr., Waimea.
Lasell Lasers: MB Sasia Neerman-Hinds, Jr., Aiea.
Lewis & Clark Pioneers: S Bethany Ballesteros, Jr., Mililani; DS Katie Shimaura, Sr., Mililani; S Kelsie Nakashima, Sr., Aiea.
Linfield Wildcats: DS Anela Madarang-Brandes, So., Waipahu; MB Journey DePonte, Fr., Mililani; DS Paige Pa’aluhi, Fr., Mililani; OH Ryli Kalahiki, So., Le Jardin; MB Lexi Correa, So., Sacred Hearts.
Macalester Scots: OH Nalani Tokuhama, Sr., Pearl City.
Manhattanville Valiants: MB Emily Brown, So., Damien; DS Katelyn Kamei, GS., St. Andrews; OH Ayla Ruiz, Jr., St. Andrews.
Mount Holyoke Lyons: MB Elle Rimando, So., Mililani.
New England Nor’easters: OH Ellijah Hanley, So., Waialua.
New England College Pilgrims: MB Tatiana Sampson, Sr., Kalaheo; OH Savannah Pilialoha, Jr., Waipahu.
New York University Violets: L Kaitlyn Sato, So., Punahou.
North Park Vikings: OH Kharlie Simeona-French, Jr., Punahou; UT Zoe Lorica, So., Hawaii Baptist.
Northern Vermont Badgers: OH Christina Betham, Sr., Aiea.
Occidental Tigers: MB Aniya Hawthorne, Jr., Leilehua.
Pacific Lutheran Lutes: MB Alazah Faumui, So., Farrington; DS Sydney Aoki, Jr., Punahou; OH Noe Feliciano, Jr., Pearl City; DS Torie Takeuchi, Sr., ‘Iolani; MB Hailey Iha, Sr., Kauai; L Halle Hetzler, Sr., Le Jardin; S Savanna Colliado, Fr., Kamehameha-Hawaii; OH Callie Simmonds, Jr., Maryknoll; MB Haley Goto, So., ‘Iolani.
Rochester Yellowjackets: DS La’i Yuen, Sr., Punahou; S McKenzie McDonald, Fr., Punahou.
Rosemont Ravens: OH Evora Kaiwi, Sr., Pearl City.
Simpson Red Hawks: OH Tiana Nihipali, Sr., ‘Iolani.
Springfield College Pride: MB Jodi Saelua, Fr., Punahou.
Waynesburg Yellowjackets: DS Mickayla Baniaga, Sr., Kamehameha; S Rayanna Baniaga, Fr., Sacred Hearts
Wells Express: L Roosa Armstead-Lehti, Jr., Moanalua.
Whitman Blues: OH Bella Vickers, Fr., Waiakea.
Whitworth Pirates: OH Katie Arashiro, So., Roosevelt; OH Logan Spencer, Sr., Kamehameha-Maui.
Widener Pride: MB Mira Canali, Fr., Maryknoll.
Williamette Bearcats: S Emma Porter, GS., Mid-Pacific; L Shyla Sato, Sr., Mid-Pacific; MB Tasha Tokairin, So., Mid-Pacific.
NAIA
Bellevue Bruins: S Mila Aiwohi, Fr., Farrington; DS Lisa Aiwohi, Fr., Farrington; L Raeanne Kimoto, Jr., Roosevelt.
Briar Cliff Chargers: L Rylee Abeshima, Fr., Hanalani.
Bushnell Beacons: OH Ashlyn Tai, Fr., Kailua.
California Merced Bobcats: L Destiny Lei Ramilo, Sr., Moanalua.
Corban Warriors: DS Marissa Uehara, Jr., Hawaii Baptist; DS Kaile’a Ontai, Fr., Kamehameha.
Dillard Blue Devils: OH Chasry Lum-King, Sr., Kaimuki.
Friends Falcons: DS Anuhea Aipa, Fr., Waianae.
Georgetown College Tigers: OH Isabel Bennett, Sr., Seabury Hall.
Grand View Vikings: DS Anna Takushi, Fr., Mililani; DS Chevy Wagner-Chun, Sr., Waianae.
Graceland Yellowjackets: S Hailey Kauweloa, So., Nanakuli; S Sera Tofi, Sr., Pearl City; OH Sierra Kauweloa, Jr., Moanalua.
Health Sciences & Pharmacy Eutectics: OH Amber Loo, Jr., Hawaii Baptist.
Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes: DS Hinamalailena Kua, Sr., KS-Hawaii.
Menlo College Oaks: L Kanani Packer, So., Roosevelt; OH Amia Silva, So., Kahuku; MB Shawna Thompson, Sr., Sacred Hearts; MB Maya Saole-Su’e, So., Kapolei; L Madison Merrifield, So., Sacred Hearts.
Missouri Valley Vikings: DS Jeanie Palsis, Sr., Nanakuli.
Mount Vernon Cougars: OH Jaelyn Tang, So., Mililani.
Multnomah Lions: OH Jahnay Jardine, So., Waianae.
Oregon Institute of Technology Owls: DS Autumn Williams, Jr., Aiea; DS Eireen Dale Madelo, Jr., Aiea.
Ottawa Arizona Sprit: L Ka’ena Kekeaulua, Jr., Waiakea.
Providence Argos: S Bella Thompson, So., Kamehameha; OH Kalamela Liua, Jr., Kahuku.
Providence Christian Sea Beggars: S Jaznel-Lynette Baker-Samuelu, Fr., McKinley; S Tehani Ho’okano, Jr., Castle; OH Tiari, Ho’okano, Sr., Castle.
San Diego Christian Hawks: DS Isabella Aguinaldo, Fr., Christian Liberty; OH Anuhea Kaohi, Sr., Kamehameha; OH Montana DiSegna, Jr., King Kekaulike; DS Ayanna Nunuha, So., Kapolei.
Science & Arts Oklahoma Drovers: S Madison Garcia, Sr., Pearl City
Southern Oregon Raiders: DS Trinity Atuatasi, Sr., Aiea.
Southwestern College Moundbuilders: OH Maliekekai DaMate, Sr., Kahuku.
Talladega College Tornadoes: DS Kenya Glenn, Jr., Pearl City.
Vanguard Lions: DS Jenesis Rios, Jr., Kamehameha; DS Jessica Yamamoto, Jr., Hawaii Baptist.
Warner Pacific Knights: L Alyssa Asuncion, Jr., Kaiser; OH Jada Dias, Jr., McKinley; S Juju Williams, Jr., Kapolei; OH Maryann Tulele, Fr., Kahuku; S Daisci Burrows, Fr., Kamehameha.
William Jessup Warriors: S Alexis Kepa, Jr., Kapolei.
STATES MOST REPRESENTED
There are Hawaii girls playing college volleyball in 42 states. Here are the states with the most:
California (43), Oregon (29), Hawaii (22), New York
(14), Washington (12), Iowa (10), Pennsylvania (9),
Massachussets (9), Texas (7), Nevada (6), Nebraska
(5), Oklahoma (5), Utah (5).
States without a Hawaii girl playing college volleyball:
Arkansas, Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
HIGH SCHOOLS MOST REPRESENTED
There are girls from 47 Hawaii high schools playing college volleyball. Here are the schools with the most:
Punahou (28), ‘Iolani (22), Kamehameha (22),
Moanalua (15), Mililani (12), Kahuku (10), Aiea (8),
Maryknoll (8), King Kekaulike (7), Kamehameha-Hawaii
(7), Le Jardin (7), Mid-Pacific (7), Pearl City (7), Hawaii
Baptist (6), Kapolei (6), Roosevelt (6), Waianae (6)
