When Kamehameha senior Jeyci Kaili went searching for a college, she looked for three things: a school that offered volleyball, water polo, and the Christian values that are a fabric of her family.
When Kamehameha senior Jeyci Kaili went searching for a college, she looked for three things: a school that offered volleyball, water polo, and the Christian values that are a fabric of her family.
She batted 2 for 3, and couldn’t be happier after recently signing a national letter of intent to play volleyball at San Diego Christian College, an NAIA school.
“I was really blessed. I didn’t know what was in store for me, but I know now,” Kaili said. “This is one of the best decisions I’ll make for my future.
“My family and I are all excited. I’m the first one in my family to get a sports scholarship.”
She has a 3.6 grade-point average, and plans to major in biology with an eye toward becoming a family physician, and returning home someday to serve her community.
Her parents are Noble and Dorthi Kaili. He’s employed by the county’s Public Works, and she’s a secretary for the county’s Research and Development division.
Her dad’s name was originally Nobel, after a nurse spelled it wrong. Kaili’s other grandma wanted a unique spelling, instead of the familiar Dorothy, like in the Wizard of Oz.
“It’s funny because my name is spelled differently as well,” said the future Dr. Jeyci, who was recently named to the National Honor Society.
She served as her own recruiting coordinator with her mom as a consultant. Dorthi wanted to get the scoops on the schools interested in her 5-foot-10 daughter, who’s a middle blocker, but is also able to play at both posts.
Kaili talked to the Kamehameha-Maui chaplain, and he suggested San Diego Christian College. From there, Kaili contacted Hawks coach Barb Wnek and sent video.
“The chaplain told me how great the school is and about the community feel of the college,” Kaili said. “I was looking for a school with Christian values and to succeed with my education as well. I was really looking for a school with both volleyball and water polo. I’m OK with just volleyball. My mom wanted to be part of the recruiting process and coach Barb had a liking toward me and adored my mom as well.
“We had a great connection. The coach is a teacher there as well. In my family we’re all religious people, and I believe in all aspects of my life it will benefit me more in the future going to a school like San Diego Christian.”
The Hawks finished with a 10-16 record this past season.
There are no players from Hawaii on the roster, but Kaili’s has family in San Diego.
Serve others
Kaili is on Kamehameha’s canoe paddling team, along with volleyball teammate Pua Wong, and serves as the goalie on the water polo squad. She also swims for the Warriors, as well.
In her limited spare time, Kaili is a keiki kahu youth pastor with the school. The youth pastors serve small Hawaiian congregation churches around the state.
It was a proud moment for her parents when Kaili signed her national letter of intent at Kamehameha. But there’s one experience that stands above everything else.
During the fall break, Kaili went to Molokai’s Kalaupapa community, which is the former settlement for leprosy patients.
“We did church service, cleaned yards and talked story, and learned history from the people there,” Kaili said. “It was a blessing. I know we had family who were there in Kalaupapa. But the records were destroyed in the early 1900s because of a fire. It was sad not being able to find information about my family who were there. My parents were very proud that I had gone there and experienced that.”
Warrior senior 8
Kaili, Wong and fellow seniors Kaiulani Ahuna, Zoe Leonard, Harley Woolsey, Maraea O’Connor, Keala Watson and Ilian Nakamoto all grew up together in Kamehameha’s volleyball program.
They leave behind quite a legacy: four Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division I championships.
As a sophomore, Kaili started as the right-side hitter. The next year, she was in and out of the lineup at middle blocker and at the outside hitting spots. She was mainly a middle blocker in her final senior season.
Their Warrior playing days are over. But Kaili’s memories of her best friends will live forever.
“Knowing the eight of us, we always had so much potential through the years,” she said. “Once we turned into freshmen, I knew we would have the best seasons of our lives in high school. We really did, even though we lost to Punahou at states the last two years.
“Playing with those girls for the last time was really an honor. I know I wouldn’t be where I am now in my volleyball career if it weren’t for them. We all hang out together at school, all eight volleyball seniors. At school, we all eat lunch together. We’re all best friends on and off the court. That’s the good part.”
The best part for Kaili is that now she’s a role model with a scholarship to San Diego Christian College. And maybe, through her example, she’ll watch her 11-year-old brother Dallas, who’s into baseball, sign his own athletic scholarship someday.
“Hopefully, he does that as well,” she said. “He has to work his hardest and the only limit is himself. He’ll get where he wants to go, knowing how much he loves baseball. He just has to put his whole heart into something that he wants.”
That’s sound advice from the Warrior senior, who not only speaks from the heart, but always follows her heart as well.
To submit an On Scholarship candidate, email kjakahi@hawaiitribune-herald.com.