In January, volleyball players across the islands prepare for the biggest tournament hosted in Hawaii. The Transpacific Volleyball Tournament is held at Hawaii’s Convention Center. Teams can play, see what the competitive players bring to the court and enjoy the experience.

Many agree that Transpac is an important event for volleyball players across the island; it is the start of a new club season and an opportunity to compete against different skills before teams start traveling to the mainland to play with other competitions from other states. Joe Companion,  Ka Ulukoa’s 16’s and 17’s coach, expresses how critical this tournament is, especially with it being the first big tournament for Hawaii volleyball clubs. Companion says that the Transpac tournament will bring out competitiveness among all volleyball players and will show real chemistry among the teammates.

Jaeda Fong, a player at Ka Ulukoa and a junior at Mid Pac, says that Transpac has impacted her and her team by strengthening the bond between teammates. They spend long hours together and get to know each other well. Whether it’s celebrating victories or coping with losses, sharing those experiences deepens the emotional connection and helps build a stronger team, they say. 

“One way I bring my teammates up during games is by high-fiving them, as well as making sure to keep a positive environment so teammates don’t get in their heads,” Fong said. Fong emphasizes the crucial role of mindset in volleyball, noting that fostering a positive environment is essential for maintaining a strong and focused team dynamic.

Companion would recommend this tournament to other clubs and expresses how this tournament is a must for all teams in every club, regardless of their team level. It is a way to gauge the level of the team in comparison to out-of-state ones. 

Companion says a big factor in volleyball is to be able to maintain consistency, which is one of every player’s biggest challenges. He says that the more tournaments played, the more experience the player gains. 

With more experience, it’s almost natural for a player to stay on top of her game and maintain consistency in her gameplay, he says. Companion says he wants to remind players to “play hard, play smart and have fun!”