And for who missed it, Croson released to play at UA
Was in the paper this morning. Didn’t have to time to put it up earlier. Some will care, some won’t. But for what it’s worth ….
Story by Ann Miller. a couple of other notes on bottom about Jen Carey getting married and single tickets on sale.
When Arizona comes here for Hawaii’s Verizon Volleyball Classic next month, Jane Croson will be with the Wildcats, and most likely on the court against her former teammates Sept. 14.
Arizona coach Dave Rubio confirmed Tuesday that Croson has been given her release by Hawaii and is now eligible to play this season. She has been on the Wildcats’ roster for weeks, but could not have played this year without UH coach Dave Shoji granting her a release.
When Croson first broached the subject of transfering, during the sand volleyball season in the spring, Shoji said he did not want to release the two-time all-conference hitter and see her on the other side of the court three weeks into the season. Last month that had changed, Shoji saying “I don’t have a problem with it now, I really don’t.”
Croson missed the last road trip of the sand season to focus on academics.
She was suspended last fall during the indoor season.
“There is so much stuff that comes with Jane and everybody knows that,” Rubio said. “From start to finish it was quite a process. Dave has been very good, a good friend, through it all and really wants what’s best for Jane.
“What was most important for me in the process was my friendship with Dave …I consider him a very close colleague and friend. With that in mind he and I had a few conversations. He let me know what was going on with Jane and her transfering and ultimately allowing her to play here. I really appreciate him allowing that.”
Rubio’s team has missed the NCAA tournament four times in the past seven seasons, falling in the first round the other three years. Rubio believes Croson can have a huge impact and already seems to have his starting hitters lined up, unlike Hawaii.
“Jane really fits a specific need we have,” he said. “We are always one player shy on the left. Players like Jane don’t fall off a tree when you shake it. She is experienced, well-skilled, she’s got size, can hit hard.
“It’s hard for us at the University of Arizona to get a player that accomplished. We have Madi Kingdon, who is very similar to Jane, but it has taken a few years to develop her. Jane will be very complementary and help us on the left. That really allows us to move Taylor Arizobal to opposite, which is her best position.”
Rubio said coaches would see where Croson is academically before considering the sand season. Croson won the 2010 FIVB Youth (19-under) Beach World Championships in 2010.
“What I like to try and do is wipe the slate clean and hope for the best,” Rubio said. “Keep players accountable and keep an eye on them. All our eyes are on her. We’ve got her surrounded. … It’s no different than what Dave was doing. We’ve been doing this a long time now. Every athlete has to play their part in success. I hope Jane runs with her second chance and takes advantage of it.”
Carey gets married
Former Wahine Jennifer Carey married John Dorr earlier this month in McCall, Idaho. Margaret (Vakasausau) Francois, who shared the setting position with Carey during their careers, was a bridesmaid. The newlyweds donated to the American Heart Association and the “Kea, Kili, Kai and Koa” March of Dimes Fund, in their guests’ honor. That fund is named after the two sets of twins born to former UH teammate Lily (Kahumoku) Olteanu. All four infants died after being born prematurely.
Single-game tickets on sale
Tickets are now on sale for individual volleyball matches. They can be purchased at the Stan Sheriff Center box office (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), online (etickethawaii.com) or by calling 944-2697. Cost is $17 for lower level, and $12 (adult), $10 (senior citizen) and $5 (student) upper level. UH-Manoa students are free with a valid UH identification card.
Season tickets are still on sale. “Go Green, Save Green” discount tickets — select seats at half off and “mini-packs” of six matches for the price of three — are also available online through Aug. 28.
Great decision by a great coach…always thinking and acting on what’s best for the player.
guess Rubio convinced shoji that he should give croson her release and he relented. but not sure if croson has changed her ways, predict that in the future Rubio wil regret his decision. this gal was given 2nd chances many times and still did not learn. if she finds it easy to get her way, she will never change, believing that everyone will cater to her.
Shoji did the right thing. Go Rainbow Wahines.
i didn’t want him to release her, but after thinking about it, i say bring it on. Jane is the past now. So all i have to say is this Jane Croson? Who is she? Definitely not a wahine, so i don’t care. The team will be better off for sure. don’t hate or criticize my opinion please, I am just saying.
Should be a battle Hartong vs Croson. In a way Arizona will be more competitive with Croson on the other side of the net. I still predict Wahine win and Croson will remember what being a Wahine is all about.
2. must you be so negative? if your prediction comes true, then so be it. but you don’t know how this will turn out. I don’t think it was Shoji relenting, more that he was convinced she was willing to do what she needed to do to get back her life back on track. And it meant in a new place.
This is good news for Rubio since Croson is probably their best option at OH. Rubio’s job seems to be in danger. Croson and Kingdon could be a formidable duo for them but I still take Hartong/Manu Olevao over them.
7. Don’t know if his job is in danger but his teams haven’t always performed to expectations. They’ve had some good wins and some bad losses. Definitely lacking consistency.
Hopefully Arizona will be a lot more competitive in the PAC 12 and AZ will have more wins with Croson as a supporting cast member. Hopefully she`ll be able to keep it together and do what needs to in order to play all season.
And not to create any conspiracy theory but the better Arizona does, the more RPI help UH will get.
We don’t know what Rubio and Shoji talked about and all the factors. But we know for the many decades Shoji has won and shown the highest of character. I trust that. He has moved on, so we move on too and look for a fun game
I would think that having practiced and played beside someone for two years would be a great advantage for a team, whereas for an indivdual she can “see offense forming” and correct her positioning accoedingly, but that wouldn’t be as big an advantage as team defense ‘knowing’ or sensing the next move by someone who is going to be trying to contribute significantly to their offense. But Jane was an enigma and she had a penchant for making brilliant out of regular offrnsive “broken” plays for points/sideouts. Just feel that won’t be enough to overcome a team/crowd that will be more thn ready to cheer/boo her. Though i don’t ever recall rude nehavior like that from Hawaii home crowds except maybe men’s nasketball. Go Wahine!
well I’m sure that I am not alone when I say that I am incredibly excited to watch this match… I know Jane tends to bring her A game when it comes to Huge matches (ie against Standford & Washington) she was pretty solid and no doubt will also be competitive when she returns to the islands – I say Bring it baby!!! cause healthy competition will only help the Wahine… agree Cindy about Arizona’s higher RPI only helping UH as well — go Wahine!
If nothing else, I’d like to see a big crowd to see this match so Jane and her teamates can see and hear and feel the alohaa for volleyball that she gave up. That will give her and them a bit of time to digest for themselves the difference between other programs and THE PROGRAM that is and supports Wahine volletball. It’s not just a lei at the end of the game. It’s a big house, knowledgeable appreciative crowd. And not only their team’s play but the play of worthy opponents. I am so proud to part of such a group as this. Go Wahine!
Hey Gramy,
You raise an interesting point. Some people may not be comfortable being in the public eye as much as Rainbow Wahine Volleyball players are. And Jane was an electric player to watch, on and off the court.
15. agree with that, setaone. had mentioned as well that the situation allowed for someone to be out of the fishbowl that is UH sports. Can’t imagine the crowd being rude. Certainly they didn’t treat Waber poorly last year. and they won’t when Stauber comes in with UCLA. I know, I know the circumstances are different but the fans love the sport of volleyball and will act accordingly. Certainly, as some have pointed out, Croson will know a lot about the UH system. But the UH staff and players know more about her from 2 years than the Arizona has learned in a few weeks. Who knows what role she’ll play in the offense or how she will be used.
I`m sure many fans will give Croson a warm aloha but I`m sure there will also be a bunch of knuckleheads that will boo her. I have a feeling you`ll hear a mix reaction. Anyway, hope Arizona comes ready to play because I know the Wahine will be up for it.
Just wondering if people will feel the same if, by chance, Arizona does beat the Wahines, and Jane Croson, had a big night, had a lot to do with it. Just wondering, that is all. Hope it does not happen.
This thread is fill with so much baloney it has me rolling all over the floor in laughter.:-)
Hawaii should still be able to handle AZ, even with Croson now playing for them. AZ was picked to finished 8th in the Pac12 (8th!). Maybe they move up one or two spots now because they’ve upgraded one of their outside hitters. But I mean, seriously, if Hawaii can’t beat the presumptive 8th place team (prospective 6th place) in the Pac12 … then this is gonna be a long season.
My guess is that she doesn’t make the trip to Hawai’i the weekend of.
Part of the ‘deal’ is that *with school starting up* UofA academics becomes paramount.
So focus, young Croson, focus..
A career of VB is NOT in her future;
she lost that vision the day she decided to quit.
& Quit is exactly what she did.
Too raw/fortright for some, but
doubt very seriously if UA will beat UH, with or without Croson.
21. There is no reason for her not to make the trip.
She was all-academic Big West. This issue with her academics is making sure everything transferred. and that she has junior standing academically. She should have that.
She did not quit.
But I do see her VB future being on the beach and not indoors.
22. Cindy, I really, really, hope you are correct, and that the Wahines, do beat UA. It just scares me a little, knowing how Jane plays in BIG matches. This will be a BIG match.
Sad to see any Wahine leave but individual and team circumstances dictate actions to be taken. Moreso with Croson because she looked like she belonged in Hawaii, no other place, and when she first appeared on the court as a freshman, it seemed like she been there all along. Of course, this is speaking superficially. On her return with Arizona, I venture to guess that it will be a highly emotional night because of the home crowd, the arena, everything.
I am sure that win or lose true Wahine fans will want agood match against UA. I do. And every match is winnable until the last whistle is blown. Coach Dave has the respect of most coaches not because he’s beaten them but because he has always respected his opponents and the game. His teams reflect his values and love of the game, too. When I stop to think about it, I want Jane to have her usual game, but I want the home team to win. If they lose, I would still want them to go down fighting cause that is what I love about the Wahine teams win or lose they never give up on themselves or their teamates. Go Wahine!