By: Kevin Hashiro, Chaminade Sports Information Director

Eight years after departing Chaminade University, Trina Kauliakamoa (2005-08) remains entrenched near the top of every major volleyball statistical category.
 
Since consistent records were kept in 2005, the former outside hitter is the school’s career leader in aces (123), third in kills (1,211) and sixth in digs (884) and is the only Silversword to rank in the top six of all three of those categories.
 
“I’m honored to stand among the all-time greats,” Kauliakamoa reflected with her name still being mentioned with Terri Bertulfo (all-time kills leader), Valasi Sepulona (second all-time in kills) and Danielle Robins (Chaminade’s first-ever all-region honoree). “It’s rewarding to see the hard work and dedication we all put in.”
 
Kauliakamoa always had a longing to return home after she and her family moved from O‘ahu to Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 8. During her prep years at Palo Verde High School, she put up outstanding numbers on the volleyball court which led her being named the Nevada Gatorade Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year after recording 439 kills and 168 service aces as a senior.
 
It was through volleyball that gave her a chance to return home.
 
“(Then-Chaminade head coach) Glennie Adams was able to watch me play in Las Vegas alongside with my sister (Tamara) and we were given an opportunity to go back to Hawai‘i,” Trina said. “We didn’t have to think twice about the decision. We knew we were Hawai‘i-bound.”
 
Her impact was immediate. Making her collegiate debut in the season’s opening tournament at the Hawaiian Style Classic on the Big Island in Aug. 2005, Kauliakamoa was named to the all-tournament team for the ’Swords’ 5-1 start. She would finish her freshman year as Chaminade’s leading attacker at 4.12 kills per set.
 
That was just the beginning. She went on to lead the team in kills all four years, the only Silversword to accomplish that feat. Kauliakamoa would also become a three-time Pacific West Conference First Team honoree and also has the Silverswords’ only known 30-kill match since the rally-scoring era began in 2001 (30 vs. Hawai‘i Pacific; Sept. 29, 2007). She also helped Chaminade to 17- and 15-win seasons in 2006 and ’07.
 
Of course, it helped having some familiarity with her. Her older sister, Tamara, was not only her club and high school teammate, but she also came to Chaminade and was the team’s setter for two seasons (2005-06). “I was so grateful having Tamara with me throughout college,” she said. “It made the transition easier to have your sister experience everything with you. It was awesome for us to play together at the next level as well. We were so happy to keep the sister connection alive. Tamara knew what move I would make and I knew what move she would make. We just connected so well. With our sisterly bond, we motivated each other and pushed each other to play at our best. We both wish we could go back in time and do it all again.”  
Reflecting back, Trina Kauliakamoa remembers all of the memories she made while at Chaminade. “On the court, we got to reconnect with my Hawai‘i family and having them watch me play,” she said. “They had never seen me play in person so having them watch my team and I play meant a lot to me. I really enjoyed playing our games in our home gym. We had amazing fans that came to support us at every home game and were always school-spirited. It always made us play harder and got us pumped.”
 
She also had fond memories of life outside the court such as pre-season potlucks (“It brought the team together as well as our family and friends and it was a good time to know each other.”), community service projects in Waimanalo (“We were able to engage with the kids, help them with their homework and taught them a few things about the game of volleyball. I really enjoyed giving back to the community and sharing my passion for the game.”) and support the other Chaminade athletic programs (“We were able to support the basketball, soccer and softball teams and show our school spirit. The whole university was one ohana and everyone supported everyone. It was always a lot of fun.”).
 
Following her graduation from Chaminade in 2010, Kauliakamoa returned to Las Vegas, where she and her family still reside. Today, she works as a front desk agent at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino where she gets to meet with different people from all over the globe on a daily basis.
 
“I have the opportunity to interact with guests from all over the world and get to hear fascinating stories about people’s lives,” she said. But volleyball still remains a very important part of her life, coaching both boys and girls high school and club teams. She also still finds time to play whenever the opportunity arises whenever her busy schedule allows. “I play in recreational leagues and try to stay in shape,” she said. “But I have found it hard to get out of bed the next day. My body is not as youthful! But it doesn’t stop me from playing. I plan on playing in some tournaments next year like the Adult Nationals and maybe even the Haili Tournament (on the Big Island).”
 
She also still keeps tabs on the exploits of Chaminade volleyball which has seen resurgence in recent years.
 
“I’ve still been following the CUH program,” Kauliakamoa said. “Coach Kahala (Kabalis Hoke) is doing a great job with these girls. Thanks to social media, I’m able to keep track and what’s going on in her life as well as the program.”