Kebe stressed that selection for the academy team is strictly based on merit, not personal connections, and he urged players to maintain discipline and focus in their training routines.
Monrovia – The Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Sports Academy (LSA), Mr. Alioune Kebe, has reported steady progress in athlete development at the academy, describing recent training performance as “positive and encouraging.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FrontPage Africa, Kebe said that since the academy’s founding in November 2024, athletes have shown growing commitment to improving their football skills. The academy began with 25 players and currently has 35, most of whom he said are actively engaging in the training program.
“Our objective is to develop young athletes who are serious about football,” Kebe said. “Over the last six months, I’ve seen a strong commitment from most of them to learn and grow.”
Kebe stressed that selection for the academy team is strictly based on merit, not personal connections, and he urged players to maintain discipline and focus in their training routines.
“I’ve made it clear to all athletes that our priority is skill development through hard work and dedication,” he added. “We support them with the right sporting materials, access to healthcare, and academic assistance. These three pillars—sports, health, and education—are key to their success.”
He also praised the support from parents, calling their engagement “timely and encouraging,” and encouraged them to continue coordinating with the academy to ensure athletes stay on track both academically and athletically.
Training schedules at LSA are reportedly aligned with school calendars to ensure students do not fall behind in their academic work.
Kebe expressed optimism that the holistic support system provided by the academy will enable athletes to compete at both local and international levels in the near future.
The AL.com high school volleyball all state team features the top players in each class.
AHSAA state champions were Class 7A McGill-Toolen, Class 6A Spanish Fort, Class 5A Guntersville, Class 4A Cherokee County, Class 3A Mobile Christian, Class 2A Pleasant Valley and Class 1A Addison while Southern Academy and Macon East won AISA titles.
The volleyball all-state team was compiled by the AL.com high school sports staff with input from coaches.
AL.com named Player of the Year, Attacker MVP, Setter MVP, Defensive MVP and Coach of the Year. Award winners are listed separately, but considered first-team selections.
AL.COM ALL-STATE VOLLEYBALL TEAM
McGill-Toolen celebrates the title win against Thompson during the AHSAA Class 7A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Maddy Henderson, Thompson, 6-0, Jr., Setter/Right Side
Maggie Jae Marsh, Austin, 5-8, Jr., Setter
Millie Burgess, Vestavia Hills, 6-1, Sr., Outside Hitter
MK Whitehurst, Bayside Academy, 5-3, Sr., Libero
Mya Lacey, Bob Jones, 5-10, Sr., Right Side/Setter
Payton McClarren, McGill-Toolen, 5-2, Sr., Libero
Sydnie Broom, Hoover, 6-1, Sr., Middle
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
McGill-Toolen’s Alice Wood serves against Thompson during the AHSAA Class 7A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Alice Wood, McGill-Toolen
5-9, Jr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Ella Lomax, Daphne
5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Kenzly Foote, Thompson
5-7, Sr., Defensive Specialist
SETTER MVP
Bennett Boulo, St. Paul’s
5-10, Sr., Setter/Right Side
COACH OF THE YEAR
Kate Wood, McGill-Toolen
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Kayleigh Kinser, Auburn, So.; Arden Breedlove, Austin, Sr.; Reese Wolfe, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.; Caroline Whitehurst, Oak Mountain, Sr.; Amari Woods, Austin, Jr.; Ella Watts, Bob Jones, So.; Brooke Reeves, Grissom, Sr.; Aliyah Pooler, Hoover, Sr.; Marissa Smith, St. Paul’s, Fr.; Julia Celani, James Clemens, So. ; Kyra Willis, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Jr.; Ella Brown, Dothan, Jr.; Claire Ogden, Vestavia Hills, Sr.; Jaedyn Lang, McGill-Toolen, Sr.; Anna Grace Chason, Daphne, Sr.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Emani Green, James Clemens, Sr. ; Cheyenne Conner, Hoover, Sr.; Lillie Hill, Vestavia Hills, Jr.; Addy Busby, Fairhope, Jr.; Kendall Dougherty, St. Paul’s, Sr.; Reese Colbert, Dothan, Jr.
Spanish Fort celebrates a championship after a win over Hazel Green at the AHSAA Class 6A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
CLASS 6A
Alexis Rudolph, Chelsea, 6-1, Jr., Outside Hitter
Avery Warren, Northridge, 5-9, Jr., Setter/Right Side
Aylah Duvall, Hazel Green, 6-0, Jr., Middle
Bea Wiggins, Spain Park, 5-11, Sr., Outside Hitter
Morgan Springer, Montgomery Academy, 5-9, Jr., Middle
Sullivan Lell, Mountain Brook, 5-4, Jr., Libero
Victoria Holley, Spanish Fort, 5-6, Sr., Libero
Zoẽ Beech, Spanish Fort, 5-11, Sr., Middle
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Spanish Fort’s Cailyn Boykin sets the ball against Hazel Green during the AHSAA Class 6A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Guntersville celebrates the title win during the AHSAA Class 5A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Kaylin Corley, Saint James School, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Laklin Shadix, West Point, 6-0, Jr., Outside Hitter
Layla Hendrix, Arab, 6-0, Jr., Middle
Marion Haskell, John Carroll, 6-1, Sr., Right Side
Noelle Suellentrop, Briarwood, 5-11, So., Setter
Sydney Jarmon, Guntersville, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter
Sydney Johnston, Saint James School, 5-6, Sr., Libero
Virginia Townsend, Providence Christian, 5-7, Sr., Outside Hitter
Zoe Jones, Montevallo, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Guntersville’s Mary George Vandergriff sets the ball against Montgomery Catholic during the AHSAA Class 5A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Mary George Vandergriff, Guntersville
5-8, Sr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Julie Roberts, Briarwood
5-10, Jr., Outside Hitter/Right Side
DEFENSIVE MVP
Bri McCulloch, Russellville
5-5, So., Libero
SETTER MVP
Zaria Rudolph, Montgomery Catholic
5-8, So., Middle/Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Melissa-Paul Gardner, Guntersville
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Kailyn Redding, Fairview, Jr.; Kit Quinlivan, Headland, Sr.; Aliyah Hollingsworth, Boaz, Jr.; Makenzie Irmen, Brewer, Sr.; Brooklyn McIlwain, Faith Academy, Sr.; LaraAnne Norwood, Lawrence County, So.; Kierstyn Green, Montgomery Catholic, Jr.; Laila Hill, Russellville, Sr.; Abigail Mullens, St. Clair County, Jr.; Micaiah Shelton, Trinity, Fr.; Skylar Courtney, UMS-Wright, Sr.; Leighton Hendley, Briarwood, So.; Helen Morrison, Briarwood, Fr ; Mady Kirkpatrick, John Carroll, Sr.; Kiley Jenkins, Headland, Sr.; Chandler Thomas, UMS-Wright, Sr.; Lucy Logsdon, Montgomery Catholic, Jr.
Setter: Josie Childress, Priceville, Sr.; Wendy McGehee, Shelby County, Sr.; Adleigh Borgognoni, St. Clair County, Sr.; Patton Fell, West Point, Sr.; Isabella Marino, John Carroll, Sr.; Millie Lackey, Arab, Jr.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Kayden Gronczniak, Arab, Sr.; Alley Emerson, Brewer, So.; Caroline Canady, Guntersville, Sr.; Abigayle Hilyer, Jemison, Sr.; Reagan Smith, Lawrence County, Jr.; Lauren Bailey, Providence Christian, Sr.; Lilly Smith, Trinity, So.; Charli Aris, West Point, Sr.
Cherokee County celebrates a championship during the AHSAA Class 4A volleyball state championship against Prattville Christian at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
CLASS 4A
Addilyn Gustafson, Madison County, 5-8, Sr., Setter
Cherokee County’s Macy Lea sets the ball against Prattville Christian during the AHSAA Class 4A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Macy Lea, Cherokee County
5-7, Sr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Nevaeh Gaidurgis, Cherokee County
5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Middle
DEFENSIVE MVP
Ellisan Givens, Cherokee County
5-7, Sr., Libero
SETTER MVP
Baylee Rogers, Prattville Christian
5-8, Sr., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tiffany Rieger, Cherokee County
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Ava Haygood, Cherokee County, Jr.; Lydia Northam, Ashville, Sr.; Emma Guffey, DAR, So.; Isabelle Sutton, Madison Academy, Sr.; Rhyan Holloway, St. John Paul II, Sr.; Sydney Wallace, New Hope, Sr.; Olivia Poarch, Wilson, So.; Emeri Thompson, Central-Florence, Sr.; Jaxson Bruce, Plainview, Jr.
Middle: Kylie Jeffers, Alexandria, Sr.; Jolie Alexander, Cherokee County, So.; Izzy Fearnside, Madison County, Jr.; Adyson Brown, Curry, Sr.; Leah Cate Wilson, Prattville Christian, Sr.; Raygen Muse, West Morgan, Jr.
Setter: Makyala Willingham, Deshler, Sr.; Jada Gray, Plainview, So.; Ryleigh Cochran, Ashville, Jr.; Sarah Bacon, Madison Academy, So.; Ella Bilbo, Orange Beach, Sr.; Jayce Page, Curry, Sr.; Carly Hensley, Danville, Sr.; Caylen Williams, Fayette County, Sr.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Isabella Grant, St. John Paul II, Jr.; Kendal Scogin, Deshler, Jr.; Charlie Richey, Plainview, Sr.; Mckenna Jackson, Danville, Sr.; Ava Hodo, Orange Beach, Sr.; Morgan Fowler, Prattville Christian, Sr.; Anna Neal, Central-Florence, Sr.; Paige Bradshaw, Madison County, Fr.
Mobile Christian celebrates with the championship trophy during the AHSAA Class 3A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
CLASS 3A
Adeline Dickerson, Lauderdale County, 5-2, Sr., Libero
Alanah Fitch, Ohatchee, 5-4, Sr., Outside Hitter
Alexis Scott, Mobile Christian, 5-6, Sr., Outside Hitter
Amelia Smith, St. Luke’s, 6-0, Sr., Outside Hitter
Ann Davis Sinquefield, Houston Academy, 5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter
Sunjia King-Davis, Lauderdale County, 5-9, Sr., Middle
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mobile Christian’s Haley Eldridge serves during the AHSAA Class 3A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Haley Eldridge, Mobile Christian
5-6, Sr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Hadley Kelly, Mobile Christian
6-1, Jr., Middle
DEFENSIVE MVP
Melissa Patel, Mobile Christian
5-5, Sr., Libero
SETTER MVP
Baker Garside, St. Luke’s
5-6, Sr., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Mallory Boyington, Mobile Christian
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Kate Williamon, Donoho, Sr.; Ava Michales, Donoho, Sr.; Karlie Baker, Geraldine, Jr.; Amiyah Thomas, Piedmont, Jr.; Libby King, Westbrook Chrisitan, Jr.; Shannon Alvord, Northside Methodist, Jr.; Emma Underwood, Elkmont, Sr.; Emery Owens, Lauderdale County, Sr.
Middle: Madalynn Moody, Glenwood, Sr.; Avery Dunnam, Lee-Scott, Sr.; Addison Holcomb, Vinemont, Sr.; Millie Wilson, St. Luke’s, Jr.
Pleasant Valley celebrates a championship after a win over Mars Hill Bible during the AHSAA Class 2A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
CLASS 2A
Alayna Tate, Belgreen, 5-5, Sr., Setter
Ella Estave, Covenant Christian, 5-5, Sr., Libero
Ella Parris, Pleasant Valley, 5-8, Sr., MB/DS
Ellie Patterson, Pleasant Valley, 5-11, Jr., Middle
Pleasant Valley’s Elise Wheeler serves against Mars Hill Bible during the AHSAA Class 2A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
Elise Wheeler, Pleasant Valley
5-9, Jr., Setter
ATTACKER MVP
Lynleigh Cobb, Winston County
5-10, Sr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Madison Schwabe, Pleasant Valley
5-8, Sr., Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
SETTER MVP
Kate James, Mars Hill Bible
5-8, So., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jennifer Mann, Pleasant Valley
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Ella Williams, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sr.; Kaylie Joseph, G.W. Long, Sr.; Paitlyn Hughes, Sand Rock, Jr.; Carly Cason, Tharptown, So.; Jaylee Calloway, Winston County, Sr.; Alice Morrison, Lindsay Lane, Jr.
Middle: Carson Hovater, Belgreen, Sr.; Haylan Crook, Mars Hill Bible, So.; Caitlyn Lynch, Sand Rock, Sr.; Raina Gunter, Washington County, Sr.
Setter: Rylie Walker, Cedar Bluff, Sr.; Saydee Coan, Covenant Christian, So.; Rose Garner, Decatur Heritage, Jr.; Tippy Ridge, Washington County, So.; Kaylee Norton, Faith Christian, Fr.
Addison celebrates a state championship during the AHSAA Class 1A volleyball state championship against Meek at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Vasha Hunt | preps@al.com)
Vasha Hunt
Lola Dixon, University Charter, 5-6, Jr., Right Side/Setter
Marley Kilcrease, Brantley, 5-5, Jr., Setter
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Addison’s Ava Bartlett was selected MVP during the AHSAA Class 1A volleyball state championship at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)Dennis Victory
Ava Bartlett, Addison
5-11, Jr., Middle
ATTACKER MVP
Annie Ricard, Faith Christian
5-11, Jr., Outside Hitter
DEFENSIVE MVP
Molli Sandlin, Meek
4-11, So., Libero
SETTER MVP
AnnaBeth Powell, Addison
5-9, So., Setter
COACH OF THE YEAR
Sadie Hall, Addison
HONORABLE MENTION
Outside Hitter/Right Side: Shakira Holcombe, Millry, Jr.; Chloe Bush, Pleasant Home, So.; Izzi Hunter, Pleasant Home, So.; Alana Jones, Billingsley, Sr.; Savannah Thrower, Fayetteville, Sr.; Vera Aderholt, Athens Bible, Fr.
Middle: Allyx Williamson, Kinston, Jr.; Kylee Smith, Marion County, 8.
Setter: Carmyn Daugherty, Meek, Sr.; Kendall Wyatt, Addison, Sr.; Bekah Junkin, Marion County, So.
Defensive Specialist/Libero: Anna Belle Collins, Meek, Sr.; Madelyn Egbert, University Charter, Jr.; Shelby Boice, Billingsley, Jr.
It was only two years ago that Louis Sakanoko rushed to Hawaii from his home country of France just days before the start of the 2024 season.
It was quite a culture shock for the 6-foot-5 outside hitter, who struggled to speak English.
One thing he brought with him that has never gone away is his smile. His outgoing personality, and his love for life and volleyball, are evident every time he steps on the floor. It is why in just a short amount of time, in a place far away from home, Sakanoko has quickly become a fan favorite.
“I love it here so much,” Sakanoko said. “I stayed here all summer, and so I discovered a little more of all of the islands and it’s just an amazing place. And I’m so much more comfortable here than I was last year, so everything is all great.”
On a team loaded with talent at the pins, Sakanoko has managed to hold onto his spot as a starter. He started 21 matches last season and hit .259 while averaging 2.39 kills per set.
The practice gym has changed a lot since Sakanoko first got here.
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He’s one of only five players who have been with the team for more than two years.
“It is weird that it’s my third year now, but honestly it feels good,” Sakanoko said. “We have almost the same team as last year, and so it’s nice to have the same energy and the same team spirit and have this work ethic that I think everyone has now.”
Sakanoko is a big part of that team spirit. He was one of the first players in the gym for afternoon practice on Monday, and with that same smile, walked up and shook hands with all of the reporters gathered for a media session.
When asked how he manages to stay so happy, Sakanoko kept it simple.
“How can you not be (happy) in Hawaii?” he responded. “The people here are special, for sure, and the atmosphere is just so different. Like, it’s Christmas, and people are walking around in T-shirts. You can still surf. It’s the best place.”
The Rainbow Warriors are ranked No. 2 in the country to start the season and have a real shot at returning to play in the NCAA Tournament.
Sakanoko gutted his way through the end of the season last year despite getting hurt right before the UCLA match.
The way that season ended has made preparation for this year feel a little different.
“We always want to win a championship,” Sakanoko said. “I got injured before the semi and Kristian got hurt earlier and so we felt like we had it taken away from us a little. We gained some experience from that, but we all want to win a championship this year. I definitely feel like this could be our year.”
Sakanoko famously tied a UH record with nine aces in just his second match as a Rainbow Warrior.
He is one of five returning players who had at least 20 aces a season ago.
As Hawaii prepares to start the season tonight hosting New Jersey Institute of Technology at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, Sakanoko isn’t worried about the quick turnaround from the holiday break.
Practices with such a deep and talented team can at times seem a lot tougher than the actual matches.
“It’s funny, because when you come back from Christmas, you maybe haven’t played for a week or two and so maybe you think you’re a little slow, but you can’t be in these practices,” Sakanoko said. “Every single day in here is like a fight. You have to fight your way if you want to be on the court the next weekend. I think that’s why we’re so good. We have so many players that can push you, and that’s been that way ever since I got here.”
Sakanoko doesn’t think he’s changed much in his time at UH, but his attitude on the practice floor has been noticed by teammates.
Setter Tread Rosenthal, the only other third-year starter, singled out Sakanoko’s growth as a leader as one of the things to be excited about for this season.
“I think Louis has gotten much more mature and literally, this year, has taken a big step off the court of being more mature and more focused on what we need to do to be the best at the end of the year,” Rosenthal said.
Isabelle Hoppe, like most everybody else in the volleyball world, had heard the rumors. But it wasn’t until the end that she thought how it might impact her life.
Photos: Wisconsin volleyball 2025 season in photos
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) serves against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) is greeted by fans after taking the floor prior to a match against Southern California at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin defenders jump to block a spike by Kansas outside hitter Jovana Zelenovic (9) on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
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The Wisconsin student section reacts after Wisconsin wins the third set against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball for a spike against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball against Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wiss.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan, left, and middle blocker Carter Booth, right, go up for a block against UC-Davis Sept. 4.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL ARCHIVES
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) and Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) yell after a block to win the first set against Purdue on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) elevates to contest a ball at the net against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the match against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) high-fives kids lined up before playing UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) hits the floor after saving the ball from touching the ground against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) helps setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) off the floor after losing a point to Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield huddles with his senior players following the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) watches as the ball flies in the air before a serve against Notre Dame on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) goes up for a spike against UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin players react after a Minnesota touch goes out of bounds on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
The Wisconsin bench celebrates after a point against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) attempts to spike over three Iowa defenders on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Nebraska middle blocker Rebekah Allick (5) yells after a block on Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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A young fan smiles after getting a high-five from a Wisconsin player during introductions against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Una Vajagic (1) dives for a ball flying out of bounds against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the teamÕs non-conference match against Florida at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) blocks a spike against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) emerges from the locker room before playing Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin right side hitter Addy Horner (2) and Wisconsin middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) collide trying to set the ball against Nebraska on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) extends to hit a ball going out of bounds against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) and right side hitter Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) put up a block against Indiana outside hitter Jaidyn Jager (24) in the first set of a match at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
AMBER ARNOLD STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) lines up a bump after a return by Iowa on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) reacts after a point against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin players, including Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew, left, and libero/defensive specialist Kristen Simon (7) celebrate the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
Trevell Jordan couldn’t have been happier with where he was.
The Mesa, Ariz., native was a roughly 30-minute drive from home at nearby Grand Canyon University, playing volleyball as a freshman for a school that was coming off an appearance in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships.
Jordan started 21 matches before missing the last four with an injury and was named to the All-MPSF Freshman Team. The Lopes were eliminated in the semifinals of the MPSF Tournament, but despite an 18-10 season, the plan was to run it back.
“We were a really young team, so we were pumped for the upcoming season,” Jordan said. “We had already made a bunch of plans of all the things we were going to do together to get ready.”
One meeting that came on a couple of hours’ notice and lasted all of five minutes changed everything.
“It came out of the blue, on one Sunday morning, where our coach texted our group chat and (wrote) the (athletics director) wants to meet with you guys,” Jordan recalled. “This was over the summer and half our team already left for home and we got to the meeting thinking it was going to be about what it was going to be like next year with the coaches. The AD walked in, said we are cutting your program, and we got two questions off before she booked it out of the room. It was quick.”
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Suddenly, Jordan had to find somewhere else to play volleyball. He had chosen Grand Canyon because it was so close to home.
Never did he ever think his next journey would take him to an island six hours away in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
“It was a big move to come across the ocean over here,” Jordan said.
Ultimately it was his connections to a bunch of players on the team that led to the 6-foot-10 sophomore middle blocker joining the Rainbow Warriors in the fall.
He knew sophomore hitter Finn Kearney, who grew up in nearby Phoenix, and also played with setter Tread Rosenthal, Justin Todd and opposite Kainoa Wade with Team USA.
Jordan was on the United States U21 team that won a bronze medal for the first time ever at the FIVB World Championships in China in August with Wade and Rosenthal.
“It was a really cool experience and achievement, especially for me. I didn’t make the first two USA teams. I was on the alternate roster, sadly, but I think that lit a fire underneath me for this last one,” Jordan said. “It really brought a better version out of me getting cut from those other two tryouts, and when I went in there, I went in with the mentality of, ‘I want to play.’”
That’s the same mentality Jordan is bringing into the practice gym at UH as he tries to crack the starting lineup on a loaded Hawaii team ranked No. 2 in the country in the preseason AVCA rankings entering today’s home opener against New Jersey Institute of Technology at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
Hawaii lost Kurt Nusterer — who had one year left of eligibility but left to pursue a major career opportunity — in the middle but returns sophomore Ofeck Hazan. UH also landed a 7-foot freshman in Roman Payne and has Justin Todd, another Team USA alum who can play both on the outside and in the middle.
Jordan landed in Hawaii for the first time in August when he came to start school.
Off the court, the biggest difference was getting used to the palm trees and the tropical climate after spending his whole life growing up in the desert.
On the court, Jordan is used to playing with some of the best players in the country in his experiences with the USA team.
Compared to his one year at Grand Canyon, the major difference is the daily grind that comes in the practice gym.
“We’re all talented and there is for sure a standard that has been set to the highest bar that we have,” Jordan said. “And that’s why you have to come into the gym every day to compete. There’s always going to be someone better than you, so that’s why you want to play to the best of your ability every day in the gym and get as much out of each other as you can.”
TREVELL JORDAN
6-10, Soph., Middle Blocker
All-MPSF Freshman Team (at Grand Canyon)
Hit .889 for Team USA to win bronze at FIVB World Championships