The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team has received a significant boost with the return of sophomore outside hitter Tali Hakas. After spending the summer competing with Israel’s national team in European Championship qualifiers, Hakas rejoined the Rainbow Wahine just in time for the 2024 season opener against Southern Methodist University (SMU) in the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic.
Hakas’s journey back to Hawai’i was extensive, involving three flights from
Slovenia, where Israel played its last match. She had initially planned to
return home to Israel before heading to Hawai’i but altered her plans due to the
ongoing conflict in the region. “The country is in an emergency state every
time,” Hakas noted, expressing relief that her family remains safe.
In her freshman year, Hakas made a notable impact on the court, appearing in 17 matches with 13 starts. She
recorded 121 kills, averaging 1.73 per set, along with 142 digs and 35 blocks. Her
performance earned her a spot on the Big West All-Freshman Team and the title
of Big West Freshman of the Week on November 13.
Despite the limited time to acclimate before the season opener, Hakas
expressed confidence in her readiness to integrate with her teammates. “I’m not
worried. They know me. I know them,” she stated. “We just had a great year last
year, and then the spring season. So I’m ready to go with them.”
The Rainbow Wahine faced SMU, a team that posted a 26-7 record last year, including an 18-1 mark in the American
Athletic Conference. The tournament also featured the University of San Diego,
with all three teams receiving votes in the AVCA/Taraflex preseason poll.
Hakas’s return is anticipated to strengthen Hawai’i’s lineup as they aim to build upon their successful 2023
season, which culminated in a 24-9 record and a second-round appearance
in the NCAA Tournament. Her international experience and previous
contributions to the team are expected to play a pivotal role in the Rainbow
Wahine’s pursuit of excellence in the 2024 season.
For a closer look at Tali Hakas and her journey with the University of Hawai’i
women’s volleyball team, you can watch the following video:
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