HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) — A preseason practice is full of aloha over in Hilo, where the University of Hawaii Men’s Volleyball team is showcasing their skills on and off the court.
Although they’ve gotten used to playing in front of large crowds, it’s not too often the team gets to practice in front of more than 2,500 people.
This weekend, the team took a pre-season bonding trip to Hilo. According to Head Coach Charlie Wade, the trip was nothing short of “awesome.”
“We’re so appreciative to everybody from Hilo. What a great way to kick off our fall season. These guys get a chance to do something really once in a lifetime, kind of thing so appreciative and ready to embrace the opportunity,” Wade said.
The Big Island road trip was UH Hilo women’s volleyball coach Reed Sunahara’s idea — a local boy and former Hilo star who returned home this past March after coaching more than 40 years on the mainland.
“You know, when I got the job, he called me, congratulated me. We were in touch and he said ‘How could we help?’ But I said ‘Would you guys be willing to come to Hilo?’ and he said ‘Yeah of course,’” Sunehara said.
Although Hilo doesn’t have a men’s volleyball team, it was a great opportunity for the Lady Vulcans to meet, greet and learn from one of the top teams in the country.
But it wasn’t just volleyball for Charlie and his players.
Like so many before them, the players had a chance to test their skills at something that is quintessentially Hilo. And it turns out these world-class athletes got game off the court.
“It’s almost perfect. It’s lots of chocolate. I like them. It’s perfect,” said Adrien Roure, outside hitter.
“They don’t look too good, but I know they’ll taste good. I had the lady try to help me at the end because I wasn’t going fast enough, so it’s pretty rough,” said setter Tread Rosenthal.
While dipping these delicious delicacies was fun, the guys and their coach said there’s something to be learned from the dedicated team of ladies that don’t just strive for perfection every day, but achieve it.
“I mean, just kind of patience in the level of focus that they have back there, just rep after rep, making it the best every time, not messing up like we did on a good amount,” Finn Kearney, outside hitter and opposite, said.
“We watch them, they got the two-hand technique down, and then they’re just methodical in it. Very efficient, very productive. Those things we value a lot,” Coach Wade said.
Something else Coach Wade values — a chance for the team to bond before the grind of a new season and enjoy something they’ve never experienced.
Turns out, visiting Hilo was a first for every single player on the roster.
“It’s really cool just to fly to see the size of the island. It’s beautiful here. I think the trees and everything. It’s great to be here,” Rosenthal said.
“This year is definitely a step out of the gym, so it’s nice to enjoy yourselves or remind us what we’re all about. It’s the community and the people.”