MEET THE MANA WAHINE
SAMANTHA BARTHOLOW How did you first get involved with volleyball, and what drew you to play- ing at OCC? try to be the teammate who encourag- es others to do their best and enjoy the game. ships remind us that the Club is about more than volleyball—it's about support, growth, and community.
I first got involved with volleyball when I was 13. I signed up for a summer volley- ball clinic to improve my vertical for my favorite sport at the time—basketball. After just a week of learning the game, I completely fell in love with volleyball. What drew me to playing at OCC goes back more than 16 years, when my hus- band and I moved to Hawai‘i from Mary- land. He was invited to play in an OCC doubles tournament, and later a Daddy tournament. The atmosphere was amaz- ing. I loved seeing the fans of all ages— cheering, heckling, and celebrating the sport of volleyball. We feel incredibly fortunate to have become members of OCC and to now regularly participate in its volleyball events. How would you describe yourself as a volleyball player? Positive vibes! I would describe myself as an energetic and encouraging play- er who brings the competitive spirit to the court. In terms of my style of play, I give maximum effort on every point and take pride in being steady and reliable, especially in high-pressure moments. I focus on keeping the mood light, helping my teammates have fun, and reminding them not to dwell on mistakes. I believe the best volleyball is played when every- one feels confident and supported, so I
How has volleyball helped shape your confidence, leadership, or sense of self? Volleyball has shaped my entire life! By going to one clinic in high school and falling in love with the sport, I ended up playing in high school, being recruited to play in college, then coaching in college and getting my master’s degree for free, meeting the love of my life in a volleyball league in Maryland, moving to Hawai‘i and playing competitive beach volleyball year-round, and now having a son who also loves the sport. What’s one thing people might be sur- prised to learn about you as a team- mate or player? People are usually surprised the first time they play with me when they hear my creative commentary or witness the interesting body gyrations I display throughout a match. Whether I’m asking a teammate if she needs a “bandage for that cutty” after a perfectly placed cut shot, breaking into a celebratory dance when someone serves an ace, or even playfully catcalling my husband from the court, I bring humor and personality into every point. I believe laughter loos- ens nerves, builds chemistry, and helps teams play their best volleyball.
After an undefeated run, what did winning the Mana Wahine tournament mean to you personally? Winning the Mana Wahine tournament meant so much to me on a personal level. As a wife, a mother, and a kindergarten teacher, life is busy—and finding time to train and compete takes real commit- ment. My hottie of a husband constantly motivates me to get to the gym, stay con- sistent, and take care of my body so I am always ready to compete. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to play in the Mana Wahine tournament with and against amazing people and athletes. It was also great to show my son that his mom can still compete! What has OCC's volleyball community given you off the court? OCC's volleyball community has given my family a true sense of connection and belonging. We've met so many incredi- ble people who have positively impacted our lives beyond the game. Through this community, my husband has explored water sports like foiling. My son contin- ues to grow his love for volleyball, get- ting encouragement while playing with aunties and uncles. He was even able to attend the Crabb Classic with OCC’s very own Crabb brothers. The relation-
18 AMA | March/april 2026
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