Ainsley Keawekane would have been just as happy to focus solely on his club volleyball team, Hoopa Hawaii, using it as a feeder program for high schools. But when Karissa Komo asked him to help start a program at Makua Lani in 2012, he couldn’t resist.
During a winless season with the Lions, Keawekane had to teach the basics, starting with how to hit the ball over the net.
“My personal goal is not about winning,” Keawekane said of his philosophy. “When the kids leave the program, I want them to be solid citizens.”
He’s been able to excel at both endeavors since taking the helm at Konawaena. Entering his third season with the Wildcats, Keawekane is only dealing with first-world problems, such as how to work Rashai Kailiwai into the lineup. The former Kealakehe standout would be the No. 1 option at outside hitter at many schools.
“We haven’t found a position for her yet,” Keawekane said. “Right now, she’s utility.”
Yes, the senior-laden Wildcats are that loaded. On paper, two-time defending HHSAA Division II champion Konawaena features its best lineup yet, returning every starter from a team that didn’t lose a BIIF match last season.
Keawekane called the move to Konawaena in 2013 a right-time, right-place scenario. Chanelle Molina also has been just the right player, using volleyball to pad her basketball resume and become the most decorated female BIIF athlete of all-time.
A move to Division I this season was considered, but Keawekane said the decision to stay in the lower classification was a “family” one.
“I would have been for it, but we talked it over with the families and decided to stay in Division II,” he said.
If for no other reason than that he can, Keawekane promised “major changes” in the lineup this season, starting with Molina. The reigning league Division II Player of the Year is moving to middle blocker and presumably won’t be called upon to be as big an offensive force as she has been.
“Chanelle likes to take on other tasks and challenges,” Keawekane said. “On my club team, I like to teach the players different positions.
“That’s where our program is right now. There are a lot of girls that are going to be stepping up.”
Keawekane turns coy when asked about specifics, pointing to the Wildcats’ season-opener.
“You’ll have to come out Wednesday night against Kealakehe (at home) to find out,” Keawekane teased. “As they say, to be continued.”
Might junior Celena Molina, an all-BIIF setter, and senior McKenna Ventura, a force at middle blocker who can also set, be in line for more swings this season at outside hitter?
Keawekane hints at the possibility.
If so, the Wildcats still have senior Ihi Victor and junior Mahie Kaawa, both of whom are capable of playing in the middle. Junior Ha’ena Keawekane, the coach’s daughter is back to play libero, and Kailiwai is starting at right-side hitter as Taiana Tolleson nurses an injury. The third Molina sister, Cherilyn, focused primary on defensive specialist last season.
“Ever since we got back to practice, Celena and McKenna have been amazing and shown a lot of growth,” Keawekane said. “Celena has been my setter and I want to get her more involved in the offense. McKenna is always open to learning new positions.”
Even the schedule-makers are kind to Konawaena.
In 2014, a late-season battle of unbeatens between Kamehameha and Konawaena in Kealakekua was cancelled by Tropical Storm Ana. In the Red division this season, the Wildcats get two key tests apiece against Waiakea, Hilo and Kamehameha of Division I.
In other words, the Wildcats could go undefeated in style.
“That’s not my goal,” Keawekane said. “I’m sure the girls all have their personal goals.
“I really can’t say we’re the favorite on the island. … Waiakea, when we match up with them (Sept. 8 in Kealakekua and Oct. 8 in Hilo), it’s going to be a battle.”
