Ka‘u and Kansas have nothing in common, except a shared sentiment that Marley Strand-Nicolaisen and a little girl in red shoes hold in their hearts: There’s no place like home.
When Strand-Nicolaisen steps into UH-Hilo’s gym on Saturday night, it’ll be for the final time as a Vulcan volleyball player, one who is the team’s operational engine and emotional core.
The 6-foot senior outside hitter and 2013 Ka‘u graduate would be a lousy poker player because she wears her emotions on her sleeve for all to see.
When she soars and crushes a kill through a constant double block, Strand-Nicolaisen will pump her fist and send her electricity to everyone in the stands.