Keala named Eastern Student of Year

CHENEY —After finishing her career on the court this past November, Eastern Washington volleyball senior Ka’ehukaiiha’amaina’e Keala earned the Student of the Year in the field of Recreation & Tourism Management.

“I think I never was really afraid to ask questions, and that comes from the court, too,” Keala said. “If I don’t understand something, I have to ask or I would look dazed.

“ I think a lot of my confidence was speaking up and me asking questions to further my career, academically and athletically, came from my process as a volleyball player here.”

Keala, who goes by “Ehu”, received the award at a ceremony for the College of Health Science and Public Health on May 4. She graduated last week with her bachelor’s degree.

“I think the balance [between academics and athletics] is just to be grateful and enter everyday with gratitude, knowing that it’s a process,” she said. “Not every day is going to be positive or what you want. I try to look at everything like an opportunity and I’m grateful for the experience.”

Beyond the court, Keala was a consistent performer in the classroom, earning three All-Big Sky Academic honors.

“It feels really good to accept this award knowing that a lot of the efforts came outside of me, Kela said. “I’m going to miss my team and my girls.”