Bellevue University head volleyballl coach Trish Siedlik announced today the signing of All-American outside hitter Pakalana Helekahi (Hana, Hawaii/Ashford University/Hana HS) to a letter of intent to complete her academic and athletic careers at BU beginning in the fall of 2016.
Helekahi joins fellow Ashford transfer Verenice Chaparro in the 2016 recruiting class, as well as earlier signees Maddie Squiers (Kearney, Neb./Kearney Catholic HS) and Emma Myers (Treynor, Iowa/Treynor HS).
Helekahi, who will have one year of eligibility remaining, earned third team All-American honors last season at Ashford University. Ashford officials announced in mid-2015 that the university would be closing its Clinton (Iowa) campus at the end of the 2015-16 academic year.
Helekahi led the 2015 Saints to a 29-17 overall record and an appearance in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round. She led the nation in kills with 678 and was second in service aces with 82. Helekahi also ranked 26th nationally in total digs with 665.
In addition to All-American honors, Helekahi was named the Association of Independent Institutions' (A.I.I.) Player of the Year and was a two-time all-conference selection.
"This by far has been one of the biggest recruits we have had transfer to Bellevue in a while," said Siedlik. "She is a player that can bring heat, bring finesse, but most of all, bring her A game. When the game is on the line, she is going to be one to watch. Paka is a great student and we are so excited to have her join us. We are very fortunate to have both Paka and Verenice finish out their careers together as Bruins."
Helekahi helped lead Hana High School to an appearance in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) state championships as a senior, advancing to the quarterfinals while recording a total of 28 kills in three games. She was named the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II Player of the Year as an outside hitter, while twice being named an MIL All-Star.
An excellent student, Helekahi graduated as her class valedictorian at Hana HS.
The Bruins finished the season with a 22-17 overall record, advancing to the NSAA semifinals, while receiving votes in the final NAIA Coaches' top 25 poll.
