Collegiate Volleyball Lynch’s Lifelong Goal
Chaminade sophomore Ku’ulei Lynch’s love affair with volleyball goes back to the beginning of her life. “Since I was born,” Lynch likes to say. Indeed, before she could pronounce the word volleyball, Lynch already was being groomed for it at home.
“My grandpa (the late Arthur “Kuku Papa” Goings) told my mom I was going to be a volleyball player,” recalled Lynch, who was named 2012 OIA East Player of the Year while starring for Castle. “He wanted me to play for University of Hawaii.”
Her passion for the game has paid off in a big way so far. As Chaminade begins fall camp, Lynch’s role likely will expand. As a freshman, Lynch appeared in 24 matches and started seven of them. She finished third on the team in total blocks with 53 and tied for the lead with Reigna Johnson for block solos with 12.
Among her season highlights was a 10-kill performance in a win over Hays State.
Lynch recently took some time to visit with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.
What is one of your favorite sports-related memories? When I was 13 or 14, I was playing with Kaneohe Volleyball Club, and Ka Ulu Koa needed a girl to go (to the Mainland) with them for the Junior Olympics. I only had two months to train. It was my first trip, and it was quite an experience.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My father (Brian). He’s just the greatest father anyone could ever ask for. He’s always at every one of my practices, every game and every clinic. I’m very thankful for all he’s done for my sister and me.
What area of your game did you work on the most during the off-season? Everything: running, my quickness, box jumping. I worked on a little of everything.
What movie could you watch over and over? Divergent.
What item couldn’t you live without? Can I say my sister (Riley)? She drives me crazy, but you know how it is. I can’t live without my sister.
What is your least favorite household chore? Doing the laundry.
What website do you go to the most? Instagram.
What is your favorite travel destination in the PacWest Conference? I kind of like them all. I like to visit new places. I think my favorite would be San Diego. We got to go to the zoo there.
When you have free time, how do you spend it? I like to sleep, go to the beach and spend time with my friends and family.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I will probably have a family, my own home, and I will be traveling the world. I might become a school counselor.
You are stuck on Kaho’olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? I like a lot of raw seafood.
Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (Actor/producer/model) Channing Tatum.
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