Having achieved numerous honors throughout her four-year career playing girls volleyball for Aiea, Danielle Grace says it’s sad to have played her last game in the Oahu Interscholastic Association yet happy to have played against great opponents.

On Tuesday, October 20, Aiea lost its double-elimination match in the losers’ bracket of the OIA Red Division Championships to Moanalua thus ending the season for the Na Alii in league play.
 
“The outcome wasn’t great, but we played as hard as we could,” Grace said after the contest. “I’m so happy to have wonderful teammates. I will miss playing in this league.”
 
Next up for Aiea is Division 1 play in the first round of the state championships against Interscholastic League of Honolulu member Kamehameha on Wednesday at Radford.
 
“I feel honored representing Aiea in the tournament,” Grace said. “But I will miss the competition that the OIA offers. I realized that life goes on. Hopefully I will get a chance to play Division 1 ball for somebody. That’s what I’m working hard for.”
 
Grace played on Aiea’s varsity teams for three seasons and one year on the JV squad. Last season, she earned OIA Red West player of the year honors along with being named a member on the All-State team.
 
She says her plans after the state tourney includes continue volleyball play for Oahu Volleyball Club. Grace indicated playing for OVC will give her additional opportunity to work on improving on her weaknesses and expanding her knowledge of game strategies.
 
“I hope in the future I can have as much fun playing (volleyball) in whatever league I happen to play in as I did competing in the OIA,” Grace said. “It’s been fun.”