By Natalie Stratton
Sports Information Student Assistant

PALATINE HILL - Leia Matsunaga has proved that you don’t have to be six foot to be a total baller on the volleyball court. Coming from Kamehameha High in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Leia has become a huge asset in the middle of the court as a setter. She was captain on the Interscholastic League of Hawaii, won a team player award, and has already been a PAC athlete of the week here at L&C.

When searching for colleges, Leia wanted to play volleyball but ultimately chose L&C over Willamette, OSU and USF based on its strong academics. She’s interested in math but not quite sure yet about making it a major. After college, Leia wants to move back to Hawaii to be close to family.

Nat: Why volleyball?
Leia: My older sister played and I like that it’s a team sport where everyone has to contribute and there is no “star player”

Nat: Favorite Sports Team?
Leia: Los Angeles Lakers

Nat: Strawberries or bananas?
Leia: Bananas, especially Apple Bananas that are only found in Hawaii

Nat: Worst injury?
Leia: In Kindergarten, I had my arms and legs in my shirt because it was cold and I fell off the bench in the cafeteria and broke my collarbone. The worst part was that my mom didn’t believe me and made me go to swim practice.

Nat: Worst thing you were grounded for?
Leia: I got in trouble once for hitting my sister’s car against the garage after washing it.

Nat: Favorite TV show?
Leia: Top Chef

Nat: Favorite athlete?
Leia: Lebron James

Nat: If you could meet any person, who would it be?
Leia: Barack Obama

Nat: Favorite Animal?
Leia: My dog Ziggy

Nat: Favorite food?
Leia: Hawaiin food and Chazuke which is Japanese rice with green tea and sprinkle stuff on top

Nat: Most embarrassing moment
Leia: My shoe came off in the middle of our game at L&C

Nat: What’s your favorite drink?
Leia: Water

Nat: What’s your favorite quote?
Leia: “Aohe puu kiekie ke hoao ia e pii” which means, “No mountain is too tall it cannot be scaled”

Nat: Addidas or Nike?
Leia: Neither, I like ASICS

Nat: If you could be another thing in nature, what would you be?
Leia: A Beach

Nat: What was your most memorable moment in volleyball?
Leia: When my high school won state championships

Nat: What’s your favorite hobby?
Leia: Going to the beach

Nat: Have you played any other sports?
Leia: I played basketball when I was little

Nat: Favorite Restaurant?
Leia: Ruth Chris Steakhouse

Nat: Favorite Candy?
Leia: Snickers

Nat: Who inspires you?
Leia: My dad