There aren’t any vampires in Kai Rodriguez’s hometown.

When the 6-foot-3 exterior hitter left Gilroy, Calif. — self-proclaimed “Garlic Capital of the World” — and arrived at Daniel Okay. Inouye Worldwide Airport, he was prepared for the subsequent chapter: senior 12 months at Moanalua Excessive College.

Being in Honolulu has its advantages, resembling taking within the defending two-time NCAA champion Hawaii Rainbow Warriors’ video games.

“I like going to UH video games. Once I was vacationing right here, I’d play seashore volleyball, and a few of my supporters at the moment are my associates. They adopted my journey and that’s actually cool,” he mentioned.

Rodriguez, Justin Todd and Zack Yewchuk, a.okay.a. the “Large 3,” originated from faraway locations and relocated to the islands with one purpose: to play for the UH males’s volleyball group. All three had been recruited, then dedicated to the Warriors and coach Charlie Wade. They formally signed within the winter.

The byproduct has been excellent for Moanalua, which is ranked No. 6 within the USA Right this moment Tremendous 25. Na Menehune had a powerful exhibiting on the Better of the West event final month, and adopted that with a championship run on the Hawaii Invitational, beating host ‘Iolani within the ultimate. They suffered a five-set loss to Punahou within the championship match of the Conflict of the Titans occasion on Saturday.

There was a little bit of tradition shock, whilst volleyball and teachers dominate their waking hours. Yewchuk had by no means tried Spam earlier than.

“The primary time I had Spam, not my favourite factor, however as my associates sort of pressured me to eat it increasingly, I prefer it now. At tournaments, there could be a father or mother to convey Spam musubi, so that you eat no matter you have got. I grew to love it,” he mentioned.

“I had dedicated to UH proper earlier than I left Canada. Even earlier than I performed volleyball, I at all times needed to go to UH. We vacationed right here, activate the TV and it’s Spectrum Sports activities and it’s at all times a UH sport. I wish to play professional and the coaches listed below are actually, actually good. Gamers from right here have gone on to play professional. The ambiance is in contrast to something I’ve ever seen,” he mentioned.

In the meantime, Todd misses no less than one factor about his hometown of Houston.

“Barbecue ribs. As somebody who grew up in Texas, we had ribs on a regular basis,” he mentioned.

There may be one factor that’s totally different for Todd now. He has associates with kitchen expertise.

“My buddy Adam (Haidar) makes an awesome pumpkin pie. Kalen (Smith)’s brownies are actually good,” Todd mentioned of his Outrigger membership teammates. “Actually, the most effective brownies I’ve ever had. It’s sort of bizarre. I don’t know why I’ve so many associates who prefer to bake.”

Footwear off, Todd and Yewchuk say they’re 6 toes, 7 inches tall. They offer Moanalua a sort of massive blue wall by no means seen earlier than on campus. Yewchuk grew up operating in all places, son of a monitor coach (Scott Yewchuk), enjoying plenty of sports activities. However his future in volleyball may have been derailed.

“I’m diabetic, so I can’t drink different drinks moreover Food plan Pepsi. I’ve a machine that’s related to my aspect and provides me insulin all day. I take it off after I play,” he mentioned. “Once I was younger, the docs advised me no sports activities, so we ended up switching docs.”

Todd’s passing expertise permit him to remain on the courtroom full-time. Yewchuk’s serve is without doubt one of the finest within the state.

“We do a ton of passing and serving at follow,” Moanalua coach Alan Cabanting mentioned. “Kai has at all times been an awesome passer. JT is the one which we have been apprehensive most about, however he’s actually taken into this system and getting all of the reps he can. He is aware of each group shall be attacking him on the serve. From the start of the season till now, as a substitute of attacking him, different groups are having to assault different gamers, which is nice. Each day he will get higher at passing. He needs to get higher.”

Todd grew up enjoying volleyball below his father, Jason Todd. Rodriguez is skilled below the watchful eyes of the daddy, Ramon Rodriguez. Kai Rodriguez was at all times at his sister Jada’s practices, the place Ramon was a coach.

“My dad at all times mentioned it’s the small issues that can kill you. He actually broke it down piece by piece. All his practices begin out with 100 passes and 100 units,” Rodriguez mentioned.

Moanalua’s work on passing has been some extent of emphasis by Cabanting and his employees.

“I prefer to hit the ball, so it got here fairly naturally. I didn’t actually like passing that a lot after I first began,” Todd mentioned. I really feel like I at all times had a superb platform, however I didn’t actually attempt to be the most effective passer I will be till not too long ago. Our coach at Outrigger, he mentioned, ‘You could be among the finest attackers I’ve ever seen, however you suck at passing.’ It was brutal, however he’s like an actual buddy.”

Large 3 affect

Punahou coach Rick Tune and ‘Iolani coach Jordan Inafuku noticed the affect of the Large 3 instantly.

“It’s lots of enjoyable enjoying any such high-level volleyball towards a group this massive and proficient,” Tune mentioned. “The primary time I noticed Kai play was seashore on the Outrigger Canoe Membership. He’s a easy, fluid participant with nice athleticism and really feel for the sport. I’m impressed together with his management, humility and really feel for the sport. I feel he’s a improbable addition to the UH roster.”

Inafuku has clear recollections of watching Rodriguez play.

“I’ve been teaching towards Kai for numerous years through the membership volleyball season, the place he starred at Bay to Bay Volleyball Membership, successful the 2023 nationwide championship for the 17U Open Division and being named the event’s most beneficial participant,” Inafuku mentioned. “Kai has grown tremendously. He’s at all times had an awesome volleyball IQ and all-around talent set, however he’s added physicality and leaping capacity that has taken his sport to a better stage.”

Coach Tune received a take a look at Todd in Texas throughout membership season.

“The primary time I noticed Justin was on the Austin qualifier final 12 months. Justin is an amazing bodily expertise. You don’t discover that many 6-7 children which have that stage of talent and athleticism,” Tune mentioned. “If he continues to work exhausting and develop his sport, he’s going to be an amazing power on the subsequent stage. He’s additionally a extremely personable child that appears enjoyable loving and an awesome teammate.”

Yewchuk’s work ethic has been essential, Tune famous.

“The primary time I noticed Zack was final 12 months enjoying for Damien. He’s actually improved his soar serve and he’s made nice strides as a center blocker this 12 months studying the place,” Tune mentioned. “He’s one other actually bodily child that possesses nice athleticism and provides a really bodily presence on the internet.”

Their paths have differed in delicate methods. Yewchuk’s household moved from Vancouver earlier than his junior 12 months. He enrolled at Damien, the place is mom nonetheless works. Rodriguez opted to come back to Oahu, the place an aunty lives. His father and brother are again in Gilroy, however his mom, Sophia, made the transfer as effectively. She commutes forwards and backwards, however for essentially the most half, Rodriguez thrives on mother’s cooking.

Sons of coaches

Todd, like Rodriguez, is the son of a volleyball coach. He tried nearly each sport as a teen earlier than deciding on volleyball.

“I used to be 11 after I began enjoying. I didn’t prefer it in any respect for 3 years, however my dad (Jason Todd) took me to follow. I used to be simply enjoying lots of video video games,” Todd mentioned. “However I simply began getting good after I was 15. UH noticed me at U.S. nationals. I used to be actually confused as a result of I didn’t assume they knew who I used to be. Coach Wade was scouting me, however I didn’t assume they have been going to recruit me as a result of they’re UH. I didn’t assume I used to be ok.”

Cabanting went on-line when he realized in regards to the new arrivals.

“They advised me about JT. I questioned if there was a video round, so I see this long-haired child, simply actually uncooked however hits rather well,” Cabanting recalled. “I’m simply wanting on the child, OK, what is that this? Then he comes on campus and his hair is lower. I feel he ready for Hawaii as a result of he regarded like your typical surfer boy. He’s a bit of bit extra polished. I’m identical to, wait, that’s not the man that I noticed on the video. He’s typical Texas, very respectful, sure sir, that sort of deal.”

Todd, or “JT,” doesn’t miss the lengthy locks in any respect.

“I modified my hair as a result of it received in the best way an excessive amount of,” he mentioned. “And I didn’t just like the look very a lot.”

The business-like method on the courtroom got here naturally. By transferring to Hawaii, the three gamers established residency standing, which brings a decrease tuition value at UH. For a program that has a restricted variety of scholarships, bringing prices down makes an enormous distinction for the households of recruits. The chance to play for a two-time defending nationwide champion was irresistible.

“For me, it was I wish to be in California and the exception is being in Hawaii. I began getting appears from schools and it got here right down to UCLA and Hawaii,” Rodriguez mentioned. “I’m going largely for the high-level volleyball. Then it was what are we going to do to pay for it. Somebody talked about in-state tuition. Is that this a risk transferring out right here, dwelling right here? We figured it out. Then we regarded on the execs and cons, I’d be capable to play for Outrigger, coached by Charlie Wade, get an additional 12 months of teaching from him earlier than I get to varsity.”

Useful loss

At 27-3, Moanalua has been on the radar all season, no less than within the eyes of the state’s high title contenders. No different Hawaii group is at the moment ranked nationally, but it surely’s debatable. Kamehameha went 7-1 within the ILH to earn an computerized state-tournament berth. ‘Iolani and Punahou went 5-3 and can play a tiebreaker match tonight. ILH groups sharpened each other, and prolonged that present to Moanalua over the weekend.

Moanalua went 3-0 in pool play within the Conflict of the Titans event, then misplaced to Punahou within the ultimate. It was a five-set warfare for the ages. Some followers questioned aloud if this was a preview of the state tourney ultimate, however neither group has sealed a state berth but.

The present is that Moanalua’s sense of urgency went from good to utterly activated.

“I awoke immediately and I used to be able to hit coaching. I feel we’re going to hit coaching no less than twice as exhausting as earlier than,” Yewchuk mentioned on Sunday. “None of us wish to lose. Shedding sucks, so we’re going to do the whole lot in our energy to do what we are able to.”

Todd had 25 kills and 5 blocks within the loss, Moanalua’s first since Better of the West.

“It’s higher that we misplaced now reasonably than being overly assured going into state championships. We’ll work on our weaknesses earlier than states,” he mentioned. “We have to set the middles extra.”

The identical mechanism that requires ILH groups to adapt and evolve is in movement for Moanalua.

“They have been so completely positioned, and we nonetheless received to a fifth set,” Rodriguez mentioned. “Our bond received a lot stronger. We received a lot nearer. It actually confirmed us what we have to begin engaged on. The massive factor I seen was out-of-system setting. We have now massive jumpers on the pins, have to get them nearer to the online.”

In Moanalua’s sweep of nationally ranked Corona Del Mar (Calif.) on Friday at Conflict of the Titans, returnees stepped in and closed the match out with a plethora of kills. It was a high-energy, low-key group in years previous, when Na Menehune perennially excelled within the OIA and commonly reached the ultimate 4 at states. That tradition nonetheless stays with their new brothers in blue.

“I do know the main focus is on us, however I’d prefer to see appreciation for the blokes who have been already right here and are so welcoming to us,” Rodriguez mentioned. “We couldn’t do it with out them. It’s not simply us three transfers. We’re in a group sport.”

Moanalua has by no means received a boys volleyball state title. No public faculty has taken the crown since Roosevelt in 1979. Punahou has received the previous 9 championships, and 11 of the previous 12, below Tune.

In the meantime, the long-distance connection retains flowing. Rodriguez will get his mom to make enchiladas sometimes, however he misses his father’s pancakes.

Todd’s household has endured. Jason Todd values his son’s perseverance and stoic method, but it surely has not been simple being aside.

“It was and nonetheless is extraordinarily tough, however all of us in the end primarily based the choice on what our hearts have been telling us, which was for Justin to go to Hawaii,” Jason Todd mentioned. “Justin has had little hesitation about embracing the challenges and committing to his objectives, and places within the work to make it occur. He has finished this since he fell in love with volleyball and adopted his coronary heart.”

KAI RODRIGUEZ, JUSTIN TODD, ZACK YEWCHUK FAVORITES

Moanalua volleyball seniors

KAI RODRIGUEZ

>> Prime 3 motion pictures/reveals: 1. “Star Wars,” 2. Marvel Cinematic Universe, 3. “One Piece”

>> Prime 3 meals/snacks/drinks: 1. Sushi, 2. Boba, 3. Bacon burger (Betty’s Burgers)

>> Prime 3 selfmade meals: 1. Mother’s enchiladas, 2. Dad’s pancakes, 3. Dad’s breakfast. “My mother (Sophia) is right here with me. She makes enchiladas after I ask. The best way she makes it isn’t typical. She places her personal twist on it. I don’t know what it’s. My dad (Ramon) has been making these pancakes without end.”

>> Prime 3 music artists: 1. Queen (“Killer Queen”), 2. Michael Jackson (“Rock with You”), 3. J Boog (“Let’s Do it Once more”)

>> Favourite class and instructor: Algebra III, Mr. (Robert) Rivera. “I actually just like the instructor. We do our work and on the finish of sophistication, he’ll allow us to watch a film and speak about meals.”

>> Favourite athlete/group: Taylor Crabb/UH volleyball

>> Funniest teammate: Keola DeMello. “He at all times has that fast one-liner. He’ll make everybody snort.”

>> Smartest teammate: Jaycen Bush. “We did an escape room not too long ago and he carried us all the best way. It was in Waikiki.”

>> GPA: 3.4

>> Time machine: “This was a troublesome one. I narrowed it down. I feel I’d wish to return and see the creation of the game of volleyball.”

>> Hidden expertise: “I’m not dangerous at ping pong.”

>> New life talent: “Undoubtedly, studying to stay alone. My mother travels forwards and backwards typically to see my brother (Diego, 14).”

>> Bucket record: “Seashore nationwide group. Successful a nationwide championship for UH. The touring comes with getting on these massive groups.”

>> Shoutouts: “My household made this all doable, sacrificing for me to be out her. And everybody that I’ve performed with or towards, they’ve all made me higher.”

JUSTIN TODD

>> Prime 3 motion pictures/reveals: 1. “Avengers: Endgame,” 2. “Shrek 2,” 3. “Shrek.” “Shrek is a humorous man. I prefer to see how he turns round. He begins out as an ogre and no one likes him, however when you progress by means of the story he proves he’s only a cool man who saves the princess. I like Donkey, I like all of the characters. Lord Farquaad can also be attention-grabbing.”

>> Prime 3 meals/snacks/drinks: 1. Sushi (Keeper’s in Houston). 2. Barbecue ribs (Killen’s Barbecue, Houston). 3. Vanilla ice cream (Blue Bell).

>> Prime 3 selfmade meals: 1. My grandma’s chocolate chip cookies. 2. My buddy Adam (Haidar)’s pumpkin pie. 3. My buddy Kalen (Smith)’s brownies. “My grandma (Carol Reed) makes the most effective cookies.”

>> Prime 3 music artists (and your favourite track by every): 1. Travis Scott (“Sicko Mode”). 2. Future (“Solo”). 3. Ramirez (“The Fo 5”). “I’ve a motive why. Travis Scott went to the neighboring highschool of mine in Houston. He’s received that Houston type and I like that.”

>> Favourite class: Artwork. “I like to attract. I took artwork any time I had an elective. I’ve taken artwork no less than six instances. I received an artwork contest and so they put it on show at a rodeo after I was third grade. I don’t actually draw that a lot. I solely drew in school. I nonetheless do doodles and stuff. Artwork makes me higher at volleyball. I really feel prefer it helps me visualize stuff. I like to attract myself successful volleyball video games. Typically it’s simply stick figures.”

>> Favourite instructor: Mrs. (Tabitha) Mansell, artwork class. “I used to be in fifth grade at Scanlan Oaks Elementary College. She was identical to actually encouraging about artwork and stuff.”

>> Favourite athlete/group: Colton Cowell/UH volleyball. “UH volleyball is my favourite group.”

>> Funniest teammate: Alex Parks (former Outrigger teammate now at UH). “I performed one event with him. He’s a brilliant goofy man. He says humorous stuff.”

>> Smartest teammate: Adam Haidar. “My teammate at Outrigger. As you recognize, he makes pumpkin pies and he has a excessive GPA.”

>> GPA: 3.0

>> Time machine: “I don’t assume I might do something with that. I like the place I’m at proper now. The long run is just too far forward. There’s an excessive amount of to expertise in between.”

>> Hidden expertise: “I’m truly actually good at juggling. I can juggle three issues for a extremely very long time.”

>> Bucket record: “I’d actually prefer to go to all of the continents, see the whole lot. Not Antarctica.”

>> Shoutouts: “I wish to shout out Adam and Kalen. My brother Trevor, and Jack Lyons. Miss Tabitha.

ZACK YEWCHUK

>> Prime 3 motion pictures/reveals: 1. “Stranger Issues,” 2. “The Hobbit” trilogy, 3. “Outer Banks”

>> Prime 3 Canadian cities: 1. Vancouver, 2. Edmonton, 3. Nanaimo, Victoria Island. “My grandparents stay in Nanaimo.”

>> Prime 3 meals/snacks/drinks: 1. Child again ribs, Outback Steakhouse, 2. Food plan Pepsi, 3. Spam musubi.

>> Prime 3 selfmade meals: 1. Dad’s steak and burgers. 2. Mother’s Portuguese soup. “My dad (Scott) is a extremely nice cook dinner. I like my dad’s steak. He additionally makes actually good burgers. We’ve had fish a pair instances, which is nice. My mother (Lila) makes some actually good soups. I like this Portuguese sausage with carrots, potatoes, a beef broth. I’m undecided if it was PS however principally that. We had this place in Canada that offered good meat.”

>> Prime 3 music artists (and your favourite track by every): 1. Juice WRLD (“Wishing Effectively”), 2. Drake (“God’s Plan”), 3. Inexperienced Day (“Boulevard of Damaged Goals”). “Each volleyball match again house, the primary or second track is one thing by Drake.”

>> Favourite class and instructor: Wooden working (grades 8-11). “This instructor was completely superior. Mr. Brian Fasse. I received to make lots of cool issues. He taught me to develop into an artisan.”

>> Favourite athlete/group: Ivan Zaytsev (Italy). “He’s only a dominant, bodily participant. He hits the ball with such precision and unimaginable energy. He had the quickest serve on the planet for awhile, round 135 kilometers per hour.”

>> Funniest teammate: Malu Wilcox. “This one is tough. He’s at all times doing one thing humorous like consuming a complete bunch of Skittles. It’s a character trait. Each day, the entire group, all of us eat Skittles.”

>> Smartest teammate: Logan Ho. “He’s received, I consider, the very best GPA of all of us, someplace round 4.2.”

>> GPA: 3.84. “Sports activities have undoubtedly helped me with sports activities and teachers. If I didn’t play volleyball, it could be a contact increased.”

>> Time machine: “I might return to the time of the Persian Wars in historic Greece. I like historical past. I might like to have seen the expertise and technique and the best way the cities regarded. See if the historic accounts are correct. Sparta or Athens. See how they cast all their armor, constructed their boats.”

>> New life talent: “I carve wooden and forge metallic. I watched lots of movies throughout quarantine. I sort of taught myself to forge in my storage. Inventory removing items.”

>> Bucket record: “I undoubtedly wish to see some locations. Italy, undoubtedly Rome. Tahiti. France. Japan. See the kitanas and medieval swords.”

>> Shoutouts: “Shout out to the Moanalua group, the unique guys there. They’re simply nice individuals. They’ve been actually enjoyable to get to know, and they’re nice volleyball gamers.”