Regarding rumors on VT
By Cindy Luis
I’d be interesting in finding out the “sources” for the rumors on VolleyTalk regarding serveral of the Wahine not returning.
Have talked to Stephanie Brandt and she said as far as she knows everyone expected to return will. And that includes Dani Mafu, Tara Hittle, Jayme Lee and herself.
Also spoke with Kari Ambrozich who said I should know better than to believe VT. Not that I did, but wanted it verified from their office.
As to the late commit on Sarah Prather from Bishop Montgomery, no letter of intent has been signed so until then Coach Shoji won’t comment.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I can see if someone that doesn’t play regularily chose not to return. It happens in all sports.
But if it’s front line players and a recruit that supposedly committed, I think Dave’s “retirement date” may have to move up.
I am in the minority with my thinking but I’m beginning to hear more and more talk that a change is needed at Manoa.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Hey Cindy, thanks for taking the time to investigate those accusations of players not returning.
By any chance, could you find out if Cubi-Otineru was on a volleyball athletic scholarship at UH last season? Someone mentioned on VT that she was, which is confusing to me, since I thought those that were on a volleyball scholarship last season was Sanders, Kaufman, Thomas, Simmons, Gregory (I noticed her name has been deleted from the roster, but Sanders’, Blood’s and Woolford’s names are still listed), Keefe, Ka`aihue, Mafua, Brandt, Ferrell, Houston and Hittle (I added her name, since I am thinking, Hittle wasn’t awarded a basketball scholarship until after last season of volleyball was over), which adds up to 12 on volleyball scholarship.
And someone mentioned on VT that Gregory’s scholarship was taken away from her last season and was awarded to Cubi-Otineru. If that is the case, does this mean, the transfer from Arkansas is going to be a walk on, since Hawaii only has 2 scholarships for next season to give out, which has already been awarded to Herring and Hewitt?
If my post is rather confusing, I apologize, but it is because I am truly confused over the scholarships situation on the team.
Much thanks in advance!
February 25th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Insane rumor. Why the hell would the setters leave, anyway? Unless they wanna go to Nebraska. Hittle is a returning starter while Lee is the primary defensive/serving sub and has a legit shot at libero. I’m actually shocked that the rumor didn’t include Stephanie Ferrell, since there was talk about that last year, or that the ENTIRE roster just decided to hang it up, leaving Shoji with a lineup made of freshmen, transfers and walk-ons. Anyway, can’t wait to see the newcomers and for last year’s freshmen to contribute.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Thanks Cindy…I didn’t believe it either, but everytime someone questioned him, he kept saying he heard it was happening.
Thanks again….
February 25th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I wouldn’t say that Gregory had her scholarship taken away. She was a part-time student. Money went to full-time student. Hittle is now on basketball scholarship and will be in the fall as well. Pretty sure Aneli was on scholarship. It is very confusing.
February 25th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
But you gotta love the conspiracy theorists. Ferrell had a rough first semester with two family members dying, then an injury.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Contrary to another one of IB’s clueless posts, the person who started these rumors is always putting Shoji and the team down and is not a knowledgeable fan (as starting these rumors clearly shows). He/she also likes to put down specific players pretty viciously. Glad to hear it’s exposed to be just more BS from him/her.
February 26th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I think the reason why there were some that were willing to give the rumors some credit is because looking over the list of topics on VT there seems to be a lot of turmoil going on at other schools and their players/coaches. So the reasoning is could that sort of stuff be going on here to?
February 27th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I beg to differ. The heartbed of women’s volleyball was once exclusive to the west coast and a few elite programs.
These days with Title IX giving women a boost in available scholarships, all women’s programs from the youth through collegiate ranks have come on like gangbusters in the past decade.
The heartbed of volleyball talent has shifted easterly in great leaps and bounds. It is a tough sell to anyone east of the Mississippi, heck east of the Colorado river for that matter to come 5k-6k miles away from home.
It has nothing to do with Dave. It is all about bringing in the blue chippers here to Hawaii.
February 27th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
And I beg to difer about giving Title IX all the credit. What you’re seeing is how the BCS money is trickling down to “minor” sports. The big conferences keep getting richer. Michigan volleyball is a prime example.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
vicious, just vicious!!!!…lol. All I want for christmas is the a championship!!! Overdue. Was 1987 the last time??
February 27th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Yes, 87 was the last time. couple of runner-up finishes (88, 96) lost in semis 00, 02, 03)
February 28th, 2008 at 12:35 am
As always, thanks Cindy for replying!
I must say, although I like both yours and Ann Miller’s articles (and for those that don’t know who Ann is, she’s with The Advertiser), you by far, truly go out of your way, putting your reputation on the line to find out answers fans of UH volleyball wants to know. All of that effort on your part, truly makes you a fan’s reporter to the fullest.
Again, thanks!
February 28th, 2008 at 1:57 am
true about the big bucks. but, at the homefront girls are encouraged to participate in sports to great lengths. there are nearly as many girls participating in youth programs as there are boys. the reward is a college scholarship.
back in the day when longy okamoto opened volleyball to the young girls in the community at first as a way to get his girls/daughters into sports. look how far it has come since. not to mention how many UH players he sent up.
February 28th, 2008 at 2:00 am
and hittle has certainly earned that basketball scholarship.
i bet bolla would like to have another cross over former all state basketball player in jamie houston.
February 28th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Thank you for reading both of us. It’s nice that both newspapers allow us space to cover the sport. Annie’s a great writer and friend. She’s been at the Advertiser since 1980, I’ve been with the SB since 1981. We do have history with the Wahine.
Without the blog, I don’t know if i’d get into the rumors. Try to avoid legitimizing them.
And thanks for reading the blog and commenting.
February 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
And without Longy, Robyn Ah Mow and others would never have gotten into UH. He did a lot of behind the scenes with counselors at various high schools here that had certain players on a non-college track for their studies.
February 28th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Only 2 more home games for Wahine baskebetball, even if not Wahine basketball fan. Come an support Tara Hittle as a Wahine VB/BB player, I can see why Bolla wanted her or that Shoji let her play, which ever it is, she really does bring that something. So much pressure from Wahine VB fans to win the championship, but with the Wahine BB, Tara just plays without the pressure from the fans. I honestly want the Wahine BB to win, but win of lose, it won’t stop me from going to the games.