Pearl City Senior Stands Out At Summer Volleyball Practice
In the Pearl City volleyball program this summer, there’s no doubt who sets the pace on and off the court: senior-to-be Taylor Inong.
“She’s very coachable,” head coach Kory Toyozaki said of Inong, who plays multiple positions.
“She’s easygoing and goes with the flow. She’s starting to exhibit leadership qualities, but also is a clown, so she keeps things light.”
Inong figures to be a key component once again for the Chargers in 2012. Pearl City finished 8-8 overall (8-6 against league opponents) in Toyozaki’s first year and earned one of the OIA’s berths for the Division I state tournament last November, so hopes are high once again.
Inong recently took some time away from the practice floor to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My club coach Debbie (Yee from Jammers). She’s very good, and she never played. She started the club for her daughter, and now she’s a big success.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? Playing soccer when I was 4. I liked it because we would get food after the games. I wasn’t good at it. They put me at goalie, and our defense was real good so I didn’t have much to do. I was sitting there pulling grass.
What area of your game are you focusing on as fall camp approaches? My net play. I want to be able to hit like (former Pearl City standout and current Southern Idaho player) Keani Passi. She hits like a man.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through athletics? There’s always a way. If you don’t have the money for college financially, you can use sports to get an education. (Athletics) has helped me learn time-management.
Who has been Pearl City’s best “practice player” this summer – the girl who gives 110 percent at all times? Kaya Chong. Even if there’s a ball she can’t get, she’s still trying. She plays to the whistle.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Lately, I rarely go on the computer, but usually Netflix.
What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning my dogs’ cage. I have two Chihuahuas (named Bear and Mr. Snickers).
What movie could you watch over and over? The Hangover.
What’s in your iPod? Hawaiian music. I like all kinds of Hawaiian music.
Do you play video games? Yes. I have an Xbox360. My favorite (game) is Call of Duty. I’d say I play around five hours a day before practice.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your prom date? I’d say Booboo Stewart from Twilight.
You’re stuck on Kaho’olawe and can have an endless supply of only one food. What would it be? That’s a tough one. I’ll have to say pani popo (Hawaiian bread with coconut).
