Road to June 15th: Q&A With Pulelehua Laikona

A 5-8 libero out of Phoenix, Arizona – Laikona is the full package and one of the top defensive specialists in the class. A regular NTDP invitee and player for Arizona Storm, she is well acclimated to high-level and high-pressure environments. She is quick on her feet and has well-developed reflexes; able to pop up a harsh swing down the line or dive in to scoop up a short tip. As commitment day approaches, I asked Pulelehua about her thoughts going into this transformative period.

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Q. How does it feel to take that next step into an unknown chapter of your life? Is it overwhelming, anxious, exciting – all of the above?

A: Making a huge decision that will determine my whole future is really overwhelming, but at the same time I'm really excited to go through this journey and have so many stories that I can share with people – and hopefully share with the younger generation. 

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Q. Do you have a “dream school” in mind that you won’t hesitate to choose if they call, or are you planning on taking more time during your recruiting process? 

A: Currently, I do have a dream school that I would love to attend and play volleyball there. But during the recruiting process I want to be able to weigh out my options and take my time to choose the right school for me. 

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Q: What is your biggest personal goal for your college career, and what kind of environment do you hope to foster and see yourself thriving in? 

A: My biggest personal goal for my college career is holding records and being a role model for younger players, especially for the kids in my Hawaiian and Navajo culture that don’t have the resources that most of us have. Personally for me, I see myself thriving in a welcoming community and an environment where everyone loves volleyball, especially since women's sports are growing tremendously, and  who wouldn’t love to watch volleyball?