Hometown Heroes: Hawaii’s Volleyball Scene Heating Up

Hawaii has long been a unique part of the volleyball landscape, producing talented athletes with a passion for the game. From the club scene to the high school court, there is no shortage of players putting in the work and making their presence known. Here’s a look at some of the Hawaii athletes who are continuing to make their mark.

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Class of 2027 

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Georgie Lee: Elite Orange level OH- Spike and Serve 18 Fred

Georgie Lee is a standout 2027 from Hawaii who has built an impressive resume on the court. The outside hitter is committed to USC for beach volleyball and has earned recognition as a USAV BNTDP athlete. Lee is also a two-time All-State selection, highlighting her consistency and impact at the high school level. She helped Iolani School capture the 2025 Hawaii D1 State Championship, adding another major accomplishment to her resume.

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Ashley Davis: Blue level setter- Lanakila VA 17-1

Ashley Davis is a 2027 setter for Lanakila VA 17-1 who has shown plenty of determination throughout the year. After battling back from an injury earlier in the season, Davis returned to the court ready to compete. Her volleyball resume includes success across numerous tournaments, giving her valuable experience in competitive settings. Off the court, Davis also excels academically, showcasing the same dedication in the classroom that she brings to volleyball.

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Class of 2028 

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Taimane Ainu’u: Diamond level setter- Ka Ulukoa- Larry Tuileta 17U

Taimane Ainu’u has put together an impressive international resume as a 2028 setter for Ka Ulukoa. The Texas commit helped Team USA claim U19 gold in both 2025 and 2026 before adding another gold medal with the U23 squad in 2026. At the high school level, Ainu’u was part of Iolani School’s 2025 Hawaii D1 State Championship team. With success at both the club and international levels, she continues to establish herself as a player to watch in the 2028 class.

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Surfia Grounds: Silver level OPP/RS- Spike and Serve 17-1 Kevin Wong

Surfia Grounds brings a powerful presence to the 2028 class as a 6-foot-5 opposite/right-side hitter for Spike and Serve 17-1 Kevin Wong. The Baylor commit has gained experience through the USAV NTDP and UA NEXT Camp, competing alongside some of the nation’s top young talent. Her size and physicality make her a force at the net, where she can impact the game in multiple ways. Grounds’ combination of length, experience, and offensive potential gives her plenty of upside as she continues her development.

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Che Tachibana: Red level setter- Spike and Serve 

Che Tachibana has built a strong foundation as a 2028 setter with Spike and Serve. She has gained exposure at college camps across the country, including stops at Oregon, Arizona, and Washington, while also earning opportunities with the USAV NTDP and UA NEXT Camp. Tachibana is already a two-time national champion, adding championship experience to her growing experience. Her combination of setting experience and exposure to high-level training environments makes her an intriguing player to follow in the 2028 class.

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Zoe Keaney: Elite Orange level MB- Spike and Serve 17-1 Kevin Wong

Zoe Keaney has made her mark as a 2028 middle blocker for Spike and Serve 17-1 Kevin Wong. The Northwestern commit has been selected to the USAV NTDP U17 program seven times and owns two national championship titles. Beyond her accomplishments, Keaney brings a positive attitude to the court and continues to develop her game against strong competition. With a strong foundation already in place, she has plenty of room to make an impact at the next level.

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Kalena Diaz: Elite Orange level libero/DS- Ka Ulukoa- Larry Tuileta 17U

Kalena Diaz has developed into a steady presence in the back row as a 2028 libero/DS for Ka Ulukoa. The Michigan commit has used showcases and clinics to continue sharpening her game while gaining valuable exposure along the way. Diaz is coming off a successful club season and has also gained experience in beach volleyball. Her versatility across both indoor and beach competition adds another dimension to her game as she looks ahead to the next level.

Class of 2029

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Taj Davidson: Elite Orange level setter- Spike and Serve 17-1 Kevin Wong

Taj Davidson is a 2029 setter for Spike and Serve 17-1 Kevin Wong who stands out for her high volleyball IQ. She has attended college camps at Nebraska and SMU, along with the UA NEXT Camp, gaining experience in competitive training environments. Davidson also regularly participates in clinics and puts in work outside of her team schedule, reflecting her commitment to continued improvement. That dedication, paired with her court awareness, gives Davidson a strong foundation as she develops into the next sta

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Class of 2030

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Lailen Kennedy: Green level MB- Ku’ikahi Wahine 15s

Lailen Kennedy is a 2030 middle blocker for Ku’ikahi Wahine 15s who has already gained experience competing against older athletes. At the 2026 Shave Ice Cup, Kennedy helped her 14U team finish third in the 16U Gold Division. She also brings experience from outdoor volleyball and continues to build her skills through showcases and clinics. A student at Punahou School, Kennedy is developing a versatile foundation both on and off the court.

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Class of 2031

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Diana Haro: Green level setter- 808 Athletic Club 16U

Diana Haro is a 2031 setter for 808 Athletic Club 16U who has already gained experience in competitive tournaments. She helped her team capture the 2026 AAU Transpacific Tournament 14 Open Championship before finishing the season at AAU Nationals. Haro has developed a strong connection with her hitters, an important quality for a young setter learning to run an offense. Her early tournament success and court awareness give her plenty to build on as she continues to grow.

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Class of 2033

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Matalasi Ainu’u: setter- Ka Ulukoa 12s Larry

Matalasi Ainu’u is a 2031 setter for Ka Ulukoa 12s Larry who has already earned individual honors at a young age. She was named MVP of the 2026 USAV Aloha Regionals as well as the 2026 Spring Break Madness tournament. Ainu’u’s mature approach to the game allows her to make composed decisions and contribute beyond her years. With those early accolades already on her resume, she is a young setter with plenty of room to continue developing.