2017 Beach Volleyball Preview:
|  Seniors  |  Juniors  |  Sophomores  |  Freshmen  |

The No. 5 UH beach volleyball team opens the season on Friday, March 3 in Arizona. Our 2017 preview rolls on with a glimpse at the Rainbow Wahine juniors.
 
The junior class, which boasts five players, is an eclectic group. And it's a group that could hold the key to the team's success in 2017 when things are all said and done.
 
Among this year's juniors is an experienced Kai'iwi Schucht, who returns after a solid first two seasons with the SandBows. The former high school beach All-American went 22-11 overall last year, playing almost exclusively with bigs Nikki Taylor and Hannah Rooks. The 5-9 Schucht went 14-7 with Rooks, including 8-2 at the No. 3 flight, as the pair gained a spot on the all-Big West second team. 
 
"Ka`iwi is a seasoned competitor and has been a big contributor to our program the past two seasons," head coach Jeff Hall said. "We expect she'll continue to improve and make gains in her overall game, while providing leadership both on and off the court for our team."
 
Hannah Zalapony also returns for her junior campaign after going 29-23 overall in her first two seasons.  Last year she earned all-Big West second team honors with Ari Homayun as the pair went 9-1 together during dual mathches.
 
"Zap is one of our team leaders," Hall said. "She's been with the program for several years and has really developed into an excellent player. She can side out, set, block and her defense has improved tremendously this year. She's a key piece to our puzzle."
 
UH is also bolstered this year by a pair of Division I transfers. Laurel Weaver arrives in Manoa after two seasons playing at nemesis UCLA, the team that bounced UH from last year's NCAA Championship. The Southern California native and former high school teammate of fellow Rainbow Wahine Ari Homayun, posted a 29-21 dual match record over two seasons with the Bruins, including an 18-9 mark as a junior while playing primarily at the No. 5 spot.
 
"Laurel has a lot of positive energy," Hall said. "She gives great effort and is a very physical player. She is fast twitch all the way and has been improving steadily since coming into our mix. With her NCAA experience, I think this will be a breakout season for her."
 
The team's other transfer is local product Carly Kan, who returns home after wrapping up a decorated indoor career at Missouri this past fall. The Punahou School graduate was a three-time All-American at outside hitter and finished No. 2 in kills all-time for the Tigers despite standing at just 5-9.  This is Kan's first foray into beach volleyball. But with her versatile skill set, it won't be a surprise if Kan—who has two seasons of beach eligibility—makes an early impact in this year's lineup.
 
"Carly is a unique talent and a quick study," Hall said. "She's disciplined and experienced, attributes that help her learn the nuances of the beach game at a rapid rate. And her leaping ability is impressive. She can do some amazing things that others her size can only dream of. She is big add to our program and someone we hope to rely on as the season moves on."
 
Gianna Guinasso, who is also a part of the Rainbow Wahine indoor squad, begins her third season with the SandBows. She's made 12 appearances all-time for UH, with all but two coming in tournament play.
 
"We love G," Hall said. "She knows how to play the beach game well and helps us get better everyday. "