When Kapa‘a High School volleyball players Joliann Arzadon and Poe Gantt played in a volleyball tournament in Reno, Nev., they knew college scouts were there. What they didn’t know was that months later, they would get a call to visit
When Kapa‘a High School volleyball players Joliann Arzadon and Poe Gantt played in a volleyball tournament in Reno, Nev., they knew college scouts were there.
What they didn’t know was that months later, they would get a call to visit Humboldt State University, in Northern California.
“They called us and asked if we wanted to come check out the program,” Arzadon said.
So Thursday night, they went.
“As soon as we get there, we’re going to practice with the team and then stay with the other freshmen girls,” said Arzadon.
Arzadon and Gantt have played volleyball together since the fifth grade. Over the years they became close friends, also playing club volleyball and basketball together, and hanging out outside of sports.
Both of them are vets of the KIF all-star team. Arzadon was the all-star setter for the past three years. Last year, Gantt was the KIF’s girl volleyball’s player of the year.
This past season, Arzadon was the team’s main setter averaging 21 assists a match. Gantt, as an outside hitter, averaged 9 kills a match.
Being invited to play at the college level is a big deal for them.
“I’m happy for the opportunity to play,” Gantt said. “And I get to be with Joe so that’s a big plus.”
They may share a love for athletics, but when it comes to academics, they’re split.
Arzadon wants to look into a career in psychology or kinesiology. Gantt is interested in either communications or the culinary arts.
Signing on with Humboldt State isn’t a definite yet, but they’re definitely leaning in that direction.
“I think it would be kind of cool to play out of state and see what it’s like out there,” Arzadon said.
Gantt also fielded offers from Indiana State and a community college in Washington state.
Arzadon and Gantt returned last night.
They will officially sign with a team in February.
