Navigators Aim To Repeat Last Year’s Stellar Vball Season
Island Pacific Academy girls volleyball team definitely had a 2014 season to remember, going 13-1 in winning the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division III Title this fall. In the early days of fall camp, junior Jaycinth Hitzeman could see the signs of what was to be a breakthrough season for the Navigators and head coach Stan Vincent.
“We had a lot of girls moving up from the junior varsity team who did really well,” said Hitzeman, a Kapolei resident. “Most of them had played (on a) club (team), so I thought we were going to do really well.
“That was the deciding factor. In games, the girls really stepped up.”
Hitzeman played no small role for the Navigators herself as both a hitter and setter, earning ILH Division III Most Valuable Player honors in a recent vote of league coaches.
She was able to take some time away from the practice field and her studies to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? I played soccer when I was 6 or 7. My dad was my coach then. I wasn’t very good at it, and it wasn’t that competitive.
Who’s had the biggest impact on you in your life? I would definitely say my mom (Jalene). She’s probably the reason — 100 percent — that I’m where I’m at. She takes me to practice every day, sits through practice and video tapes it. She does everything.
What area of your game will you focus on during the off-season? I’m a setter, generally, so I will work on my setting with my club (ASICS).
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through athletics? I would say hard work and determination. I do work hard (at volleyball). I did beach volleyball (during the high school off-season) from 4 to 6 p.m., and then I had indoor (volleyball) from 7 to 9 p.m. Most nights, I would go home, eat dinner, do my homework, go to bed and repeat that the next day.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Hulu, which is a website where you can watch a bunch of TV shows.
What is your least favorite household chore? Doing the dishes and sweeping and mopping the floors.
If you were planning a trip, what would be your destination of choice? I’d love to go to New Zealand with my friend Kasey.
What movie could you watch over and over? I liked The Pink Panther.
Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Beyonce, Beyonce and Beyonce.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? If I have free time, I like to go to the beach with my friends — especially on the North Shore.
You’re stuck on Kaho‘olawe. You can have an endless supply of one food. What would it be? Mac and cheese.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? Beyonce.
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