The first match of 2014 may be two weeks away, but for Hawaii volleyball, it’s not too early to look ahead to 2015.
Casey Castillo, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter from Oceanside, Calif., affirmed her oral commitment to play for the Rainbow Wahine next season with a visit to the Stan Sheriff Center for practice. Castillo, a rising senior at Santa Fe Christian in Solana Beach, Calif., said she officially will sign during November’s early National Letter of Intent period.
"We came out last year for an unofficial visit and I loved the atmosphere," said Castillo, who is vacationing with her family in Hawaii this week. "It’s like nowhere else. It’s just amazing how the community supports the team. Oh, my gosh, it’s like going to an NFL game."
Castillo played in just one match for the Eagles last fall following surgery to repair her left ACL. She competed during the entire club season and was part of the Wave team that finished second last month in the 18 Open Division at the Girls Junior National Championships in Minneapolis.
Castillo, a PrepVolleyball.com Top 50 prospect, said her decision came down to Hawaii and nearby University of San Diego. A family connection helped things along.
Brother Alex played for Pepperdine during the time that UH associate head coach Scott Wong was assistant with the Waves.
She also liked the strong Wahine volleyball tradition and a chance to play for Dave Shoji.
"I like Coach Shoji’s no-nonsense approach," she said. "I like how he pushes the team, demands a lot but in a positive way. I think I’ll be a much better player after my four years here."
Shoji is not allowed to comment on oral commitments. The Wahine also are expected to sign Punahou’s McKenna Granato, a 5-11 hitter, in fall.
