CINDY LUIS / CLUIS@STARADVERTISER.COM
Sophia Howling posed in front of a welcome sign at the UH athletic department.
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Sophia Howling’s first trip to Hawaii won’t be her last. The 6-foot-2 junior middle/opposite at Venice (Calif.) High left for home Saturday night, having made an oral commitment to play for the Rainbow Wahine in 2017.
“It was an easy decision,” Howling told the Star-Advertiser on Monday. “When compared to all the other programs I was looking at, Hawaii was the best fit.
“I’m looking forward to playing for Hawaii, with its tradition and history, and for Coach (Dave) Shoji, who I think is the best coach in the country.”
Howling said she also had considered Long Beach State, Arizona, TCU and UC Davis. As a tri-captain this past season, she helped the Gondoliers (23-15-1) to a runner-up finish at the CIF-Los Angeles City Section Division 2 playoffs last November.
Howling, who attended the Rainbow Warriors’ matches against Cal Baptist last week, was named to the AVCA’s Phenom List for the Class of 2017. She was named All-City as a sophomore and junior, and plays for Actyve Volleyball Club.
Shoji cannot comment on oral commitments. Howling will be eligible to sign a binding letter of intent in November.
Hawaii has one scholarship remaining for 2017.