KEALAKEKUA — Starting to play volleyball at 12 years old, Konawaena senior outside hitter and middle blocker Kaitea Galletes knew immediately that she wanted to be in it for the long haul.
“I started off playing beach volleyball, and eventually made my way to indoor,” she told West Hawaii Today. “What made me want to keep playing to this point was the love and passion I have for this sport. The adrenaline rush when I step onto that court and looking into the crowd to see who I’m playing for, and when I look at my team and see who I’m playing with, is amazing.”
Galletes’ early passion for the sport ultimately paid off, as she helped the Wildcats’ girls volleyball team secure a Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Division II title in 2022 and three state tournament appearances in her three years on varsity.
“I first realized that playing collegiately was possible during my sophomore year,” Galletes continued. “This was the year that my play had started to peak, and all of my coaches told me to ‘put in the work, and you will go places.’”
Her ferocious spikes and impenetrable defense at the net grabbed the attention of collegiate programs, including California State University, East Bay — an NCAA Division II program in Hayward, Calif., that competes in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
On Friday night inside Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium — the place where Galletes built her legacy as a high school volleyball player — the star officially signed her letter of intent to play for the Pioneers next fall. She was joined by family, friends, coaches, teammates and other supporters for her monumental accomplishment.
“When schools started to reach out, I just thought I would see which one was the best fit for me,” Galletes explained. “What led to my decision to choose Cal State, East Bay was the potential the coaching staff saw in me in March. I went on my official visit to CSUEB, and I felt so welcomed and instantly a part of the family.
“I knew it was the right choice for me because it felt like home.”
Planning to continue playing her original positions at the next stage, Galletes will add to a program that qualified for the CCAA tournament this season. As a natural-born competitor and well-known team leader, Galletes is excited for her next adventure on the mainland.
“I think the biggest thing I can bring to this new program as a player and teammate is commitment,“ she said. “I’m ready to show my coaches and my teammates that I am committed to making myself better to ultimately be better for the team.”
But no matter what Galletes accomplishes in her next stage of life, she will never forget her upbringing at Konawaena, and the lasting life lessons she experienced on and off the floor.
“Konawaena means a lot to me,” Galletes said. “The past four years have taught me so much, and every single person and player has become like family to me. It’s an honor to wear ‘Konawaena’ across the front of my jersey. I’m truly grateful.
“(Kona) has prepared me to play at the next level because that’s how our coaches coach. They focus on our future and prepare us for what it’s going to be like in college. I would personally like to thank all my coaches who have helped me get to this point — both my volleyball and basketball coaches. I would like to also thank Coach Kim(Lambert) and the CSUEB coaching staff for seeing my potential and giving me this amazing opportunity. Lastly, I would like to thank my entire ‘Ohana. They have helped shape me into the person and player I am today. Without any of them, this wouldn’t be possible.”