Six newcomers, including a Christian Liberty Academy graduate, plus an additional returnee will round out the University of Hawai’i at Hilo Women’s Volleyball roster as fall practices are set to start in under two week’s time.
UH-Hilo will return 12 players from the 2022 squad, adding the two transfers and four freshman as part of the incoming 2023 class.
“We are thrilled to welcome an exceptional incoming class who will join an outstanding group of student-athletes as members of our Vulcans volleyball ‘ohana,” fifth-year UH-Hilo head coach Chris Leonard said. “Their dedication to academics, volleyball, self-growth and teamwork promises to elevate our performance as a whole. I look forward to each of them achieving remarkable accomplishments both individually and collectively in Hilo.”
Camilla Chun will also be returning after playing her freshman season during the 2020-21 spring semester then serving a two-year Latter-day Saints mission in southern California.
The Vulcans will replace five departed players — four to graduation/exhausted eligibility — from a season ago.
Isabella Aguinaldo
After graduating from CLA in 2022, Aguinaldo spent her freshman year playing for San Diego Christian College in San Diego, Calif.
Now, she has transferred to join the Vulcans.
The defensive specialist and libero played in 11 matches and 19 sets for the Hawks, totaling 20 digs (1.05 digs/set) — and recording a season high 10 digs during a match against Hope International in October 2022.
During her youth in Hilo, she played club volleyball for Pilipa’a Na Wahine.
“Bella returns home to Hilo after playing at San Diego Christian College,” said Leonard in a UH-Hilo press release. “She is a very hard-worker who continues to get better each time she is on the floor. We’re happy to have her join us and know that she will be a great addition to our team.”
Raelee Samio
The junior transfer and native of Kekaha, Kaua‘i spent her first two years of college playing for Wyoming’s Casper College.
She played in 62 matches and 179 sets for the Thunderbirds as a middle blocker and outside hitter, totaling 349 kills (1.95 kills/set), 37 service aces, 220 digs and 66.0 total blocks.
Samio posted two double-doubles and reached double-digit kills eight times — notching a career high 19 kills against College of Southern Idaho last September.
While playing for Waimea High School, she was a two-time Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation Player of the Year. She also played club for Tita Ahuna Volleyball Association as well as Spike and Serve Volleyball Club.
Samio told UH-Hilo that she chose to play for the Vulcans because “(UH-Hilo is) the perfect home away from home and I wanted to embrace the culture of volleyball in Hawai’i with my last two years of eligibility.”
Leonard said that Samio is “tall, athletic and will be a force at the net.”
Baylee Goeas Galdeira
A 2023 graduate of ‘Iolani School, Goeas Galdeira has chosen to begin her college career with the Vulcans.
The middle blocker and opposite hitter played three seasons of varsity volleyball for coach Kainoa Obrey, and was part of ‘Iolani’s 2022 HHSAA DI State Champion team — totalling ten digs during the four-set championship win over Kamehameha schools – Hawai’i.
“Baylee comes to Hawai’i Hilo with a championship pedigree,” said Leonard. “She was an integral part of the serve-receive and defense for the 2022 Hawai’i Girls Division I State Champions. She has also been a standout for Kuikahi Volleyball Club, one of Hawai‘i’s top club volleyball programs. Baylee is a great ball-control player with outstanding defensive instincts. She’s also great from the service line. She will be a great addition on the court and to our team culture in the gym.”
Erynn Munoz
This incoming freshman and setter from Mission Viejo, Calif. played three seasons of varsity volleyball at Trabuco Hills High School.
“Erynn is a great setter with an infectious personality,” said Leonard. “She has great hands, is a solid defender and is a natural leader. She has great instincts and runs a fast-paced offense.”
Chase Koepke
Koepke is the Vulcans’ second Californian incoming freshman.
The 6’ tall MB/OPP is a graduate of Los Alamitos High School, where she played four seasons of varsity volleyball.
“Chase is gifted athlete with a great arm,” said Leonard. “She has the speed to transition quickly as an attacker and to close the block pin-to-pin. She also has the versatility and skill set to play in the middle or on the right.”
Kaleiah McPherson
Also an incoming freshman, McPherson gained much notoriety during her career at Green Hope High School in Cary, N.C.
She played four seasons on varsity — receiving accolades such as 2021 USAV ODR High Performance All-Star, mentions on the 2021 JVA Watchlist and 2021 USAV All-American Watch List as well as a mention on the 2022 AVCA All-America Watch List.
“Every interaction I had during my recruiting process reassured me Hilo should be my new home,” McPherson said in a UH-Hilo press release. “From meeting parents, other coaches, and other volleyball players at travel events to finally meeting coach (Leonard). I watched the volleyball games and admired the supportive community surrounding the team.”