Darlynn Okinaka has followed in her sister Kryssie’s footsteps on the volleyball court, but the younger sibling’s journey has been one long, uphill climb, where she found an unprecedented and unexpected reward.
The recent Waiakea graduate signed with Iowa Central College, where Kryssie will be a sophomore and in her final season with the Tritons.
Kryssie recommended her sister to Iowa CC coach Sara Horn, who scouted Darlynn’s club team, the Haili Jrs, at the popular Las Vegas Volleyball Classic in February.
Darlynn, who’ll major in psychology, received an athletic and merit scholarship and will stick to one sport. (Kryssie also played basketball.)
“This scholarship means a lot to me because I actually never thought I would continue playing at the collegiate level,” Darlynn said. “I’m very grateful that I got this opportunity.”
At Waiakea, Kryssie was a main weapon for basketball or volleyball. She was usually an All-BIIF honorable mention as a 5-foot-4 athletic dynamo.
Darlynn is the classic case of an overachiever.
She’s 5-2, never received any BIIF postseason recognition and played on the junior varsity for three years. As a senior, she saw limited action as a defender.
Haili Jrs coach Lyndell Lindsey pointed out that Darlynn has a multitool skill-set.
“Darlynn is a very versatile player,” Lindsey said. “The position she played mostly was libero, but she pretty much played every position, even middle blocker. Wherever the need was, she played it, even for her height.”
Darlynn credited her club teams and parents (Darwin and Cheryl) for her development: Piopio Bears, Keaukaha Cuzins, Panaewa and Haili Jrs.
“I have learned so much from all the teams, not only on the court as a volleyball player but in life also,” Darlynn said. “Teamwork, respect, and mental toughness are the most important aspects that I’ve been taught.
“We get a whole lot of life lessons from our parents, but the one that always stuck was, ‘If you want something you have to go and get it because it’s not gonna come to you. You have to put in the work or you won’t be successful.’
“Kryssie is probably the biggest influence in my life mainly because we were always close growing up. I look up to her for almost everything, especially volleyball. She’s always working hard and pushing past her limits and also pushing me to do my best.”
Darlynn is the first BIIF player for any sport who played on the JV for three years, didn’t start as a senior and then signed a scholarship.
But when overachievers work hard, good things can happen.
“It was tough. I’m not gonna lie. Going into my senior year after being on the JV for my third year, I started working even harder,” Darlynn said. “I even joined the track team my junior year to get into shape, along with Kayla Kahauolopua, Jazmyne Alston, and Jordyn Hayashi.
“They helped me in so many ways this past season and made me stronger physically and mentally.”
Sister act
Kryssie and Darlynn only played together for one season at Waiakea on the JV team. Kryssie was a sophomore and Darlynn was a freshman.
“My favorite memories with Kryssie would have to be when we randomly start yelling at each other at home and drive everyone else crazy,” Darlynn joked.
Well, in April, Darlynn went for a campus visit and stayed with Kryssie for a week. They survived and are still BFFs.
“Darlynn has always been my sister, my best friend, and my teammate pretty much our whole lives,” said Kryssie, who’s an education major. “The next year will be unbelievable. I had an amazing freshman year, and I hope for the same that she will experience an amazing freshman year as well.
“She won’t have it easy in volleyball, but I will be there to help her, support her and yell at her if needed. She’ll be ready for it.”
Role models
The biggest role model in the Okinaka family is Kassy, who has special needs.
She graduated from Waiakea a few years ago and is involved with sports, especially running events.
On dad Darwin’s Facebook posts, in every picture Kassy is always smiling, a family trait at sporting events.
“Kassy is definitely an inspiration to me,” Darlynn said. “Despite everything she has to live with, she’s always smiling and making the best of her life.”
The question would come often for Darlynn, “Are you Kryssie’s sister?”
“I’ve been asked that pretty much my whole life,” Darlynn said. “Even if we were twins, it’s just funny to me. I guess it happens so much it became normal. Sometimes, people thought I was Kryssie.”
When the BIIF implemented the rule in 2013 that juniors could play on the JV level, that extended the shelf life for overachievers like Darlynn Okinaka to make their dreams come true.
“Darlynn is not the same girl from two to three years ago. Her senior year, she has grown into a stronger player both physically and mentally,” Kryssie said. “I’ve seen it, our parents have seen it, and our coaches have seen it.
“Darlynn never thought she would be able to be noticed and play at the next level until her senior year. I’m speaking for both myself and our family that I’m proud of her for believing in herself and working her hardest to get to this point in her life.”
