It’s about more than wearing a volleyball uniform for a few years. To be a Rainbow Wahine is to wear a proud tradition for life.

Ali Longo is looking forward to her initiation into that circle Saturday. Hawaii’s libero for the past two seasons will compete in her first alumnae match before switching roles as the Rainbow Wahine student coach for the ensuing match against Northern Arizona.

"It’s going to be a little weird at first. It definitely reminds you that you’re an alum now for the first time," said Longo, who led the team in digs the past two years (822 total). It’s such an honor to get to play in this game, along with all the people who came before and set the standards.

"All of them are still competitive, still have such a big passion for the sport. It’s awesome to get to share this."

Longo is finishing her degree work in family resources this semester. The student coach position allows her to take advantage of the fifth-year scholarship program.

"I enjoy coaching," the Littleton, Colo., native said. "I’ve done it here and there ever since high school.

"It’s really nice to be working with coaches like Dave (head coach Shoji), Robyn (assistant coach Ah Mow-Santos) and Scott (associate coach Wong) who know the game so well and know what they’re doing."

Longo, who transferred in 2012 after two seasons at Penn State, works with the five liberos/defensive specialists on the roster. They’ve appreciated her knowledge and the fact that she has come out of the Wahine program.

"She’s a really great player," said senior Sarah Mendoza, who took over Longo’s role of libero. "It was awesome to watch her play and be on the court with her. As a player, she had a lot of intensity.

"She brings a lot of insight, has a huge volleyball IQ. I like how she communicates with us, really knows how to pick us up. It’s nice to have her."

It’s been an easy transition from libero to coach for Longo, who basically was the coach of the back row during matches.

"She really understands the game and not all players do that once they leave the game," Shoji said. "She has the right demeanor. Longo has a future in coaching."

But probably not for a while after her December graduation. Longo’s goal is to play professionally, in Europe, she hopes. Her boyfriend, former Warrior volleyball player Jace Olsen, is playing in Denmark.

Longo has another year of sand eligibility. She and Ginger Long were UH’s No. 3 team, going 32-10 overall, 20-4 in dual matches as the SandBows finished tied for third nationally.

But, she said, it’s doubtful that she’ll stay for spring semester.

"I want to pursue indoor, try to play somewhere," she said. "It’s been awesome to have been in Hawaii. I have had opportunities I wouldn’t get at home."

Longo has a unique perspective on Rainbow Wahine volleyball as part of its past and present, with the glimpse at the future.

"I’m really excited about this team," she said. "Obviously, they are very young but they’re working hard and I’ve enjoyed watching them as they grow.

"Everyone played really well (Wednesday night in a five-set loss to Toyota Auto Body). I’m really excited for the defensive specialists. They’re willing to work to get better. It’s good to see the progress."

Saturday, Longo will be joined by 2013 seniors Ashley Kastl and Mita Uiato in their alumnae debut. Some 40 former players are expected for the match that begins at 5 p.m.

Hawaii hosts Northern Arizona in its final nonconference matches Friday and Saturday, the first meeting between the two schools. NAU, one of 15 unbeaten teams in the country, features freshman defensive specialist Kayla Guerrero, a two-time second-team all-state selection out of Maryknoll.

Freshman defensive specialist Savannah Kahakai is as doubtful. She sprained her right knee during Set 2 of Wednesday’s exhibition against Toyota Auto Body.