Anae Thrives In Volleyball, But Football Was Her First Love
Among the weapons in the Kahuku girls volleyball team’s arsenal as it begins OIA playoffs this week is cohesiveness, to hear veteran middle blocker Pati Anae tell it.
“We started off very distant. Everyone was a mystery to each other, but after bonding, and after everything we’ve been through, our team is pretty much a family now,” said Anae, who was an all-conference selection as a junior in 2011. “We can call ourselves sisters now because of what we’ve shared. I’m excited to see how we do, going into the post-season.”
Anae and the Red Raiders are looking for another strong run in the coming days after finishing second in the OIA last fall. Kahuku won the OIA in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Anae recently took time from the practice floor to talk with MidWeek’s Windward Islander.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My entire family, especially my older cousin, Tumua (Anae). She recently played water polo in the Olympics and came home with the Gold.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? When I was about 5, the first photo album I looked at was one of my dad’s when he (Brad Anae) played for the Philadelphia Eagles. From that moment, I saw myself as a football player until I realized girls don’t play football and it wouldn’t be possible.
How would you assess this season so far? Knowing our potential, on a scale of 1 to 10, we’ve reached an 8 as we go into playoffs.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through athletics? Discipline is key, and attitude always comes first.
Who is Kahuku’s best practice player — the girl who gives 110 percent at all times? Our whole team works hard, but there’s one girl who people underesti- mate, Vao Fale, because of her size, but she’s our silent weapon because of how hard she works.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Google. It’s my best friend.
What is your least favorite household chore? There are so many — I’d say cleaning the bathroom.
What movie could you watch over and over? The Blind Side, for inspiration! It has a good story to it.
What is in your iPod? I listen to “mood-calming” songs and fun songs.
When you have free time, how do you spend it? I won’t say going to the beach because I never get to. I’d say spending time with relatives who I don’t get to see that often.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your prom date? (Professional rugby player) Sonny Bill Williams.
