‘Mau’ Now Master Of The Game In Kailua High Volleyball
When Kailua High’s Seth “Mau” Thomas began playing volleyball as a junior, he counted on his athleticism to make up for his lack of experience. It also helped his progress when he quickly became a student of the game, according to head coach Cheriesse Shiroma.
“He had to get in his reps and learn the game,” said Shiroma. “He grasps the game really well, and he understands everyone else’s position now. He does really well at anticipating where the ball is.”
Thomas’s development is one of many reasons why the Surfriders enter this week’s Division II boys state volleyball tournament with high hopes. The team recently captured the school’s first OIA title since 1982, and it takes a 10-6 record into the tourney, which runs Thursday-Saturday at Mc-Kinley High and Blaisdell Arena. Pairings were to be announced Sunday.
Thomas recently spent time talking with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.
What is your earliest sports memory? Playing football for the Waimanalo Warriors with my friends. The whole community used to come out to watch us play. It was hard at first, taking all the hits, but it came along with the training and the drills.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My family has always been there for me. They help me and push me to do better. They want me to make better life choices and never take the easy way out.
What area of your game did you focus on the most this season? Hitting from the back row. I just wanted to help my team get points. I’m still working on it, but I’m getting it down.
What inspired you to take up volleyball? I just wanted to try something new. I always watched my mom (Jonalyn) and my sister (Sloane) play, and I wanted to stay active.
Who among your team-mates is the best practice player, the one who gives 110 percent? That’s a hard one. I would say our coaches Glenn Chong, Nicole Ka’aina and Tee Maiava, in addition to Coach Shiroma.
When you surf the Internet, what website do you go to the most? YouTube – for the music videos.
What film could you watch over and over? 50 First Dates.
What item could you not live without? My Android phone – to keep in touch with people and to text my girlfriend (Kayla), who is a student at Central Washington (University).
Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Kiwini Vaitai, Common Kings and Sammy J.
How do you like to spend your free time? I like going to the (water)falls. I like to swim, fish and just chill with my friends.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I will be joining the military, possibly the Coast Guard.
If you were planning a trip, what would be your dream destination? That’s a hard one. I would say France.
You are stuck on Kahoolawe and can have just one food. What would it be? Polynesian food.
Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? Actor/comedian Will Ferrell.
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