Head volleyball coach Jim Callender announced the signing of three new players Wednesday. Freshman Alyssa Meihack hails from Fallon, Nevada and will fill a setter spot. Also a freshman, Kassie Kagawa will be the second Hawaiian on the team. Kagawa will join her former teammate, Ziona Verhulsdonk (Kailua, HI, Hawaii Preparatory Academy), who is a sophomore. Originally from Long Beach, California, Angelina Pulu rounds out the group.

Meihack is only one of many of her family members to play collegiate sports. Her sister, Monica, played volleyball at the University of New Mexico from 2002 to 2004 while her father played football at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and mother played volleyball and basketball at the College of Southern Idaho and Southern Utah State.

Graduating from Churchill County High School this spring, Meihack was an All-League First Team selection in 2007 and 2009. She was also named to the Sierra All-Media First Team and Yerington All-Tournament Team those same years. As a team, the Greenwave were two-time State Academic Champions (2006 and 2007) and made it to the Zone playoffs three times (2006, 2007, 2009).

“We needed a great setter to come in and start this season,” says Callender. “I'm confident we have found that person in Alyssa. She brings excellent skills and maturity as a freshman. Alyssa plays for the Capital Volleyball Club out of Reno, Nevada, which is always a top contender in the very tough Northern California region of junior volleyball. She will pick up our offense quickly. I'm excited to be able to have the opportunity to coach her these next four years. She is the real deal!”

Kagawa, from Hilo, Hawaii, helped lead Waiakea High School to two consecutive BIIF championships (2008 and 2009). Kagawa also found success on her club team, Asics IMUA, where they had numerous first place finishes in tournaments.

“Kassie will bring positive physical and mental energies to our program. She comes from the Asics Imua Club as their starting libero,” states Callender. “It was great to watch her solid passing and defensive skills. Even better was her constant smile and enthusiasm playing the game that was infectious with her teammates. Everyone played better when she was on the court. She'll definitely contend for a starting defensive position this fall.”

Expected to fill an outside hitter position, Pulu was named Robert A. Millikan High School volleyball team's MVP the last two years. She was also placed on the All-Moore League First Team the past three seasons. In 2008, Pulu was named to the Volleyball Dream Team.

Most recently, Pulu played for the Southbay Volleyball Club. Her team finished third in the Southern California Junior Qualifier and second in the Spokane Junior Qualifier.

“I have had the opportunity to watch Angelina for three years in club volleyball. She played with Marilee Frost (Long Beach, CA, Robert A. Millikan High School) when we were recruiting her,” comments Callender. “Angelina can play every position on the court and play it well! Although only 5-8, she is a great leaper and sees the court very well. She's an excellent athlete with incredible focus and determination. Angelina will help our team any way she can. She always plays to do the best she can and help her teammates. Mustang fans will really enjoy watching her this fall.”