HILO — Hawai’i Hilo Women’s Volleyball sixth-year head coach Chris Leonard has announced the addition of four newcomers to an experienced squad for the upcoming fall 2024 season.
With seven seniors and four juniors among those set to return — five of the seniors are utilizing their extra season of eligibility gained from the COVID-19 pandemic — the Vulcans welcome three freshmen and a sophomore transfer. The returning players have accounted for 75.5 percent of game action through the previous two years.
“I’m really excited about our 2024 recruiting class. Each player brings something unique to our program,” Leonard said. “Throughout the recruiting process, we’ve gotten to know them not just as talented athletes, but also as amazing people. They’ll make a big difference on the court, in the classroom and in our community.”
Hawai’i Hilo finished No. 6 in the Pacific West Conference standings last season.
“These recruits will significantly boost our success on the court with their skills and teamwork,” Leonard continued. “Their strong academic backgrounds and commitment will enrich our classroom environment, while their dedication to community service will help us build stronger ties locally. I’m confident they’ll help take our program to new heights, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together in the coming years.”
The Vulcans had just three departures from a season ago — two to graduation/exhausted eligibility.
Hawai’i Hilo will open its season Aug. 30 on O’ahu before coming home to host the Hawai’i Volleyball Fall Classic Sept. 5-7 at the Vulcan Gymnasium.
Maya Imoto-Eakin
SET | 5’9 | FR-R | Honolulu | ‘Iolani School / Illinois
• Spent one year at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• 2023 graduate of ‘Iolani School (Hawai’i)
• Played two seasons of varsity volleyball for coach Kainoa Obrey
• 2022 HHSAA Division I State Champion, 2022 Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I Champion
• Honors: 2022 ScoringLive All-Hawaii First Team, 2022 Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-Stat Fab 15, 2022 ILH All-Star First Team
Major: Biology
Coach’s words: “We had the opportunity to watch Maya develop as a player throughout her club (Kuikahi) and high school (‘Iolani School) career, culminating with leading her high school team to a Hawai’i Division I State Championship in 2022. We are excited to have Maya return to Hawai’i to join our Vulcans ‘ohana with her championship mindset and high-level experience. She’s got great hands and is a proven winner with a high volleyball IQ that will make an impact for our program.”
Carys Fouser
MB | 6’3 | FR | Albuquerque | La Cueva HS
• 2024 graduate of La Cueva High School (New Mexico)
• New Mexico Class 5A State Champion (x2)
• Played club for Albuquerque Juniors
Major: Administration of Justice
Why Hawai’i Hilo: “The community was so welcoming and I immediately clicked with everyone I met.”
Coach’s words: “Carys adds physicality and size to our team. She puts up a huge block and will be a challenge for opposing defenses to slow down. We’re excited to have Carys on our team and look forward to the impact she’ll make in a Vulcans uniform.”
Isabella Freeman
MB | 6’3 | FR | Lehi, Uta. | Skyridge HS
• 2024 graduate of Skyridge High School (Utah)
• Played two seasons of varsity volleyball for coaches Silver Fonua, Haley Felise, Kaipo Tagaloa, Tayler Hifo
• 2023 6A State Championship Runner-Up
• Honors: 2023 Lehi Free Press All-City Team, UHSAA Academic All-State
• Played club for Club V 18 Ren Dave, Club V 17 Ren Jenna, Club V 15 Ren Adam, Club V 14 Ren Charmay
• 2022 GJNC National Division Third Place, 2022 SLC Triple Crown Runner-Up, 2021 Colorado Crossroads Open Division Third Place
• Nickname: Bella
Major: Biology
Why Hawai’i Hilo: “It had such a strong sense of community and the team was so welcoming. I just knew that if I was going to be so far away from home, this is where I would want to be.”
Coach’s words: “Bella comes to us from Club V, a top-notch club program and national powerhouse. She’s a gifted athlete and her length and quickness make her a force at the net both offensively and defensively. Bella’s hard work and team-first attitude makes her a perfect fit for our program. We’re really excited to have her with us and can’t wait to see what she brings to the team.”
Madeline Swanson
OH | 6’0 | FR | Billings, Mont. | Billings Senior HS
• 2024 graduate of Billings Senior High School (Montana)
• Played four seasons of varsity volleyball for coaches Karen Switzer, Courtney BadBear
• 2022 Class AA State Champion
• Honors: 2022 All-State Second Team
• Played club for Empire Volleyball
• Nickname: Maddie
Major: Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences
Why Hawai’i Hilo: “The environment. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The school also has my program and is very beautiful.”
Coach’s words: “Maddie made a great impression on us the first time we met her. She’s an enthusiastic, energetic and athletic player with experience at both opposite and outside hitter. We know she’ll come in and compete every day. Maddie truly embodies the values and spirit of our team culture, making her a great fit both on and off the court.”
