Michael Fisher proves that Division II cannot be overlooked.

The 6-foot-6 outside hitter from Hawaii Baptist Academy was recruited by the top Division I collegiate volleyball programs across the nation, including Pepperdine, UCLA, Brigham Young, Penn State, USC and the University of Hawaii.

The senior signed his letter of intent with UCLA, following a personal meeting by Bruins head coach John Speraw in September. Speraw was named the U.S. men’s national team head coach last month.

"He flew down and met with me and my family. He basically told me he wanted me and said, ‘You’re our guy.’ It was pretty special," Fisher said.

For those who know Fisher, this accomplishment shouldn’t be a surprise.

The 18-year-old from Kailua has led HBA to consecutive Division II state volleyball titles and was named most valuable player as a sophomore and junior.

"He’s an all-around player. He’s not just an attacker," Hawaii Baptist head coach Teoni Obrey said. "He’s very good defensively. You don’t find many 6-6 guys walking around who can play all six rotations and be efficient and play it well."

Obrey first noticed Fisher at a Hawaii Baptist summer volleyball clinic in 2007.

"He definitely stood out ’cause he was lanky, he was tall and awkward, but he was really friendly, real outgoing and everything that we asked him to do, he tried," Obrey said.

Fisher began playing for Obrey’s Kuikahi Volleyball Club, whose 18-and-under team recently qualified for the Junior National Championship in Reno. Fisher also trained on the mainland with the junior national team in Colorado Springs, Colo., last summer.

"I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to watch him grow, not only as a volleyball player, but as a person," Obrey said. "He’s one of those athletes that understands the whole dynamic about a team and puts the team first before themselves. He’s always been like that.

"Sometimes they fly under the radar because the bigger schools are so much more publicized, and it’s justified. But every so often there’s these kids that come up like Sarah Palmer and this kid … good player, great attitude, great teammate."

Obrey describes Fisher as well spoken and says that his confidence helps him communicate with adults.

"Mike banters back and forth and understands adult sarcasm," Obrey said. "He’s very comfortable in his own skin and that’s amazing for a teenager. Especially here at this school, where he stands out. He’s sometimes 2 feet taller than everyone else."

His height also helps him stand out on the court. Fisher reaches 11 feet when jumping for a spike and 10 feet, 10 inches when blocking. He currently leads the undefeated Eagles (9-0) with 7.2 kills per set and 29 aces.

"This is probably one of the best defensive teams we’ve had," Fisher said. "We dig a lot of balls and we’re able to rally and hang with those other guys. Not because we’re the biggest, but because we’re disciplined. That’s our key to being successful."

HBA hasn’t dropped a set in Division II play yet, but the Eagles stay sharp by competing against Division I opponents in exhibition matches throughout the season. HBA traveled to San Diego in March and placed ninth out of 36 teams in the prestigious Best of the West tournament.

"We just pride ourselves on being able to play anyone and be able to play our best," Fisher said. "It doesn’t matter who steps on the court. We’re gonna play the same way each and every time."

As Fisher winds down his high school career, he’ll be passing the torch to his 15-year-old brother, Caleb, who also plays for the Eagles.

"It’s been interesting just kind of having to change from being brothers to being teammates," Michael said. "It’s a different role that I have to play, but it’s fun."

"We kind of get on each other a little bit. On the court, it’s all business, and off the court it’s a regular brother relationship," said Caleb, who is also an outside hitter. "He definitely leads and he’s always looking to get other people better. He’s not only looking out for himself, so I think it helps the team a lot."

Michael looks to make his mark at HBA with a third straight state championship, but he is also looking forward to taking the next step.

"I guess when I first signed, I was all fired up and ready to go, and now as it gets closer I’m going to miss Hawaii, but I’m just really excited for the opportunity to go play and play for a great coach and great teammates," Michael said. "It’s going to be awesome."

Michael says that he’ll probably major in business or economics at UCLA, but can’t imagine a career path that doesn’t involve volleyball.

"I just want to play volleyball as long as I can," Michael said. "I can’t really see myself doing anything other than that, like working at a desk for hours. I’ll just ride it out as far as I can."