As the University of Hawaiʻi women’s volleyball team inches closer to opening night, training camp is giving one homegrown Rainbow Wahine a chance to prepare for a moment she has dreamed about her entire life.
Freshman outside hitter Cha’lei Reid enters her debut season with high expectations from both the fan base and herself. The Kahuku High School alum graduated early to enroll at UH in the spring, gaining her first collegiate experience in an exhibition match against Arizona State in March. Since then, the Laʻie native has been in full preparation mode, looking to make an immediate impact for her hometown team.
“It’s honestly a surreal moment,” Reid said. “Growing up, I was a ball shagger for UH matches in intermediate school. Now, it’s full circle. It’s such a blessing that I get to be that person for little kids, too. I came here when I was supposed to be in high school, but I’ve had the mindset that I’m here to work and I can play at this level.”
Reid said one of the biggest lessons she has learned from head coach Robyn Ah Mow is pride.
“Coming from Hawaiʻi, that’s something we play for, something bigger than ourselves,” Reid said. “We play for the people who support us and for the opportunities we’re given. Growing up on the North Shore, my parents always taught me to take pride in what I do and to give effort every day.”
For Reid, stepping into the Stan Sheriff Center hasn’t felt like a leap, but a continuation of a lifelong journey.
“It wasn’t such a big step, more like a reminder that you just have to keep going and keep putting in the effort every single day,” she said.
Reid and the Rainbow Wahine will continue training camp through the weekend before opening the 2025 season Aug. 29 against Marquette in the Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Classic.