Speak softly and carry a big stick. President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy aptly applies to the only foreign player on the Hawaii volleyball roster. Freshman middle Emily Maglio, a very soft-spoken Canadian, grew up carrying a very big stick … as a defenseman in hockey for eight years.

Maglio enjoys playing the distinctly different sports, especially the one thing volleyball and hockey have in common: defense.

"It’s about trying to stop something, although the puck is a lot smaller," said Maglio, an animal science major with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.

Maglio currently is working on her all-around game as a member of Hawaii’s sand volleyball team and has impressed Rainbow Wahine head coach Dave Shoji and associate indoor/head sand coach Jeff Hall.

"Maglio is the most improved player we have from fall," Shoji said as Hawaii prepared for Thursday’s indoor exhibition with Texas. "She’s big, strong, jumps well and is very coordinated."

Maglio did not make a recruiting visit, coming to Hawaii sight unseen but well aware of the program’s reputation. She’s happy with the choice.

"I really like how friendly everyone is," she said. "And I’m excited about playing Texas."

>> Class:Freshman

>> Height: 6-2

>> Hometown: Coquitlam, British Columbia