In Hawaiian language, "ho'okahi" translates "to make one."
On Mondays and Thursdays over the next few weeks, GoSwords.com will talk to select student-athletes from all 10 Chaminade University sports about how they are learning from home, keeping busy and coping with the current situation.
Featured here is
Alana Handy of women's volleyball. The senior outside hitter completed her career this past fall, helping the Silverswords achieve consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time in school history. The 2018 Pacific West Conference Newcomer of the Year and Elementary Education major was hampered by a hip injury that limited her to 14 starts but still was able to put down 1.76 kills per set.
Q (GS.com): What did you missing the most about Chaminade?
A (ES): I miss walking through campus, seeing my teammates and friends. I miss the welcoming environment that allows for so much social interaction. I also miss all the food programs at Loo Center and dorms.
Q: Outside of distance learning, what did you do to pass the time?
A: I'm still in the process of recovering from hip surgery so I've been going to physical therapy, running and working out. I've been eating, had dance parties (alone) and played games with my roommates.
Q: What are you doing to keep your spirits up during the situation?
A: I'm blessed to have the best roommate, (teammate)
Tate Lutu, who makes me laugh constantly. There is never a dull moment when we are together, which is 24/7. She is also a horrible influence when it comes to food but food makes me happy so it's okay. Releasing endorphins, FaceTiming friends, listening to music and dancing are always good stress relievers. Knowing life continues to go on and reminding myself of all the things I'm grateful for calms me down in times of uncertainty.
Q: How are you staying connected with you coaches and teammates?
A: Since I love kids and all our coaches are young, hip and have kids who are newborn to age 5, we like to FaceTime them. My teammates and I have virtual Zoom calls for birthdays and our fake graduation.
Q: Have you learned any new skills or picked up new hobbies that you otherwise would not have if not for the current situation?
A: Since the oceans are open for exercising, I've been swimming to help with hip rehab and snorkeling a lot more. I've been free diving and swam with dolphins.
Q: What is your favorite on-the-field or on-court memory from this past 2019-20 year?
A: My favorite on-court memory was getting the last kill on Senior Night to end our season and my career. Playing alongside the girls I love and who are so supportive through the highs and lows makes wrapping up my career that much more special.
Q: What is the first thing you will do after we return to a sense of "normalcy?"
A: I'm going to go lay out at the beach during ALL hours of the day, hang out with friends and hopefully get my life together.
