Five-foot-10 and 5-foot-11 add up to 11-foot-9, but on CI’s volleyball court they add up to the Salanoa twins. Leah Salanoa and Lahni Salanoa, both juniors at CI, are two of this year’s volleyball star players.
The Salanoa twins have been playing volleyball for only a short period of time and already are top notch.
“Our mom played volleyball here at CI as well,” Lahni said. “She graduated in ’88 and always wanted one of her kids to play, so she trained us during summer to help us improve.”
They hope to improve in spotting and having more energy and intensity on the court.
Leah is an outside hitter and setter, while her sister Lahni plays middle. They both enjoy playing together on the court, where good and bad memories are made. Their favorite memory was when Leah made a quick set to Lahni.
“She killed it,” said Leah. It was a good memory for them because it was a very close game against Villanova.
Playing together is a great advantage for the Salanoa twins. They both know what to do in various types of situations and with the help of their team, they get the job done. They also have a type of special communication that not many people have, on and off the court.
“I love having the twins on the team,” said teammate Nona Palmer. “Even though it’s just their second year playing, they are very talented and a lot of fun to have on the court.”
Coach George Hinckley, the varsity volleyball coach, hopes to have a winning season and would like to work on the team’s chemistry. His team this year is special and good.
“I’m proud of them,” said Hinckley.
He is also going to start filming the twins playing so he can attract college recruiters.
The two main reasons they play are because of their mom and Aunt Val. Their Aunty Val recently passed away and was always their number one fan.
“We dedicate this season to our aunty and our mom,” said Leah.
Their mom, Alyssa Tualaina Slade, enjoys watching her daughters play the sport she used to enjoy so much.
“Leah, with her hitting, and Lahni blocking like crazy — together they will be unstoppable,” she said. “Leah and Lahni both love volleyball and basketball. In the next two years I’m hoping they will both get a scholarship in either sport and attend a university just like their older siblings are today.
“Thanks to the school and coaches for supporting them,” Ms. Slade added. “I am very proud of how far and fast they have come with volleyball. I love you Leah and Lahni.”
With the support of their family, the twins will go far in life and reach success.