Hoakalei Dawson ’18: AU Volleyball Libero and Ukulele Enthusiast

Hoakalei Dawson is sophomore, graduating with the class of 2018 and a member of the reigning Patriot League championship-winning American University volleyball team. She is majoring in Film and Media with a minor in Graphic Design.     

Her Campus American University: When did you start playing volleyball? Did you have to choose among other sports at any time?

Hoakalei Dawson: I started playing volleyball when I was 8. I primarily played soccer when I was 5 years old until I was 13 or 14, then I paddled and tried swimming. I played basketball my senior year of high school. I also did Jiu Jitsu for a month.

HCAU: When did you know you wanted to play college volleyball?

HD: I didn’t really have an option. I was told by my family that this was how I would get into college.

HCAU: What other schools did you look at before choosing AU?

HD: I visited Gonzaga, Loyola Marymount and University of Hawaii. I originally committed to UC Davis then pulled out after graduating from high school because I found out the head coach was forced to resign.

HCAU: What position do you play?

HD: Right now I’m the libero. I just pass the ball to other people. The setter runs offense, and I run the defense. 

HCAU: A lot of AU volleyball alums play professional volleyball. Do you ever think about going pro?

HD: Yes. I will play anywhere that can give me the best offer. Once Hawaii secedes from the United States, I want to form a national volleyball league there.

(She said she was joking about this part…kind of.)

HCAU: Though you probably don’t have a lot of a lot of free time with your busy practice and game schedule, do you have any other hobbies?

HD: I bake a lot, I play the ukulele, I like to sing and take photos. I like to walk around and people-watch too.

HCAU: When did you learn to play the ukulele?

HD: When I was in pre-K at my Hawaiian immersion school. At recess we could play outside or with the instruments, so I chose to play the ukulele. 

HCAU: Ok, I have to ask, what does your name mean in Hawaiian?

HD: It means sparkling lei.   

Photo Credit: 1, action shot courtesy of AU Athletics