Mustangs’ Frank Looking Good To OIA Volleyball Coaches
When teams opposed the Kalaheo volleyball team this spring, they usually made containing Nainoa Frank a priority. That’s a difficult task, as head coach Ed Chun knows well from watching Frank compete in practice day after day.
Frank was recently named OIA Eastern Division Player of the Year in a vote of league coaches after helping lead Kalaheo to a 15-5 record. He had missed all of the 2011 season his sophomore year, while recovering from a torn ACL, but came back strong this year.
“He’s developed into a really good player at another position,” Chun said. “He plays in the middle with his (Outrigger) Club team, but we had him on the right side so we would-n’t put too much lateral movement on him. We wanted to take away some of the wear and tear on him.
“His high school career is really only a fraction of where he is capable of going when he chooses a sport,” added Chun, who was chosen East Coach of the Year. “With his size and skill, as long as he stays healthy and continues to work, he’ll be the best player in the state next year, by far.”
Frank will play with his Outrigger team at the U.S. Junior Olympics on the Mainland in coming weeks, according to Chun. He also plays football and basketball at Kalaheo.
Teammate Silila Tucker was named to the Second Team as a setter. “Silila has developed into more of a leader. Off the court, he’s one of those quiet guys. We’d like for him to be more vocal, and he’s improved tremendously in that regard.”
Reeve Troberg, Jordyn Reindollar and Luke Owens earned Honorable Mention, and Reindollar is the only player who’s completed eligibility this spring, so the Mustangs could be a favorite next season.
“We took two weeks off, and then I opened up the weight room,” Chun said. “We have seven of our 12 coming regularly four days a week, and the others are involved in other (sports). It’s something they’ve been doing on their own.”
Teawe Olds made the First Team from Castle, which finished 8-6 this spring. Kamalei KamAweau was named to the Second Team, while team-mates Liva Sale, Kama Weeks and Kekoa PiliRumusod received Honorable Mention.
Joaquin Lessary was a Second Team selection from Kahuku, which went 6-12 on the season. The Red Raiders also placed Joseph Fonoimoana, Lai Fakatou, Bryson Sao, Quayd Ah You and Lamone Williams as Honorable Mentions.
Kailua’s Kainoa Mercado was also a Second Team selection, while the Surfriders also landed Nicholas Hernandez, Austin Makaehu, Neami Tuifua and Trevor PelesasaSefo as Honorable Mentions.
