Lady Chargers A True Force To Watch

Wednesday - July 08, 2009
By Jack Danilewicz
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Reyna Acosta at Chargers’ summer practice. Photo by Byron Lee, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The transition to team leader was a natural progression for Pearl City defensive specialist Reyna Acosta. In her mind, at least, she’s been preparing for her time.

“I work hard on my own, and I’m one to push the girls. It’s not an easy job, but I learned a lot last year,“said Acosta.“You have to know which way to talk to the girls. I just let them know they only get better if they’re pushing themselves.”

Spoken like a true coach. Or in this case, a coach-on-the-floor. For her part, Acosta and the Chargers figure to be one of the more intriguing volleyball outfits to track this fall as they look to build on last year’s 9-3 finish in OIA Red West play. Only West regular-season champion Aiea and perennial power Mililani fared better in the league than the Chargers, who return all but two players from that team in addition to inheriting a solid group from their junior varsity ranks.

As Acosta and the Chargers look ahead, the forecast is for another tight race in the West, with little or no margin for error. “They (teams from the West) have always been good throughout my four years here,” she said, “but every season is different. I think we have a good set of girls this year.”


Her role as a leader has expanded accordingly in recent weeks, with several players away and the younger team members getting more reps.

“The younger girls want to get better. They’re getting to know how each other plays on the court and helping each other to accomplish our goals,” said Acosta, who was a Second Team All-West pick last season in a vote of league coaches. “We want to work hard as a team. Without that, the team won’t get anywhere.”

Added Pearl City coach Stephanie Shigemasa: “Reyna is one of those natural leaders. She’s a hard worker and, this being her sophomore year, we’re looking for more direction from her on the floor.”

Acosta is entering her third year as a projected starter on varsity, having also been a starter for the JV as a freshman. Before arriving at Pearl City, she played for the West Side Volleyball Club.


As the Chargers’ defensive specialist, there is much on-the-court responsibility with playing her own position well. Offense begins with defense, after all. “I like it,” she said of her position.“Like any other position, you have to work really hard at it.”

A big senior season might attract the attention of some college recruiters, although Acosta is more focused on the team aspect lately.

“It (the chance to play in college) would be nice, but I may just focus on school, somewhere on the Mainland, probably in the West. I’m looking at schools right now, and I’ll study either pharmacy or business.”

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