A Hike Back To The Middle

The euphemism "Take a hike!" usually has negative connotations. But to UH Wahine volleyball star Maja Gustin (pronounced Maya GooshTEEN), it's the phrase that pays only posiitive dividends.

"I love to hike," the All-WAC middle blocker told me just prior to a recent practice at the Stan Sheriff Ccntcr. "I love to connect with nature, to clear my mind, to meditate or forget about everything." Her favorite hiking spot is near her home in Moribor, Slovenia, a country located in the mountainous regions of soouth-central Europe. "I love hiking in the Alps, she says. "My favorite place is Bohinj in the Alps of Slovenia. It's an amazing place. Sometimes, I'll go for days. It's good for the body, soul and spirit."

It's also good for getting into shape. This past spring and summer, the 6-foot 3-inch junior-to-be trimmed nearly 20 pounds from her powerful frame by combining hiking workouts with the rigors of playing for the Slovenian National Team.

This is the third straight year Gustin has played for her country, and she says she relished the experience of playing all over Europe, including Spain, Italy and Germany this summer. The team also traveled to Africa.

The extensive road time gave her an opportunity to use her impressive linguistic skills. She speaks or is learning to speak several differtnt languages. "I can speak Slovenian, Serbian, Croatian, English and German," she says.

"She came back in the best shape of her life," says Wahine associate head coach Charlie Wade. "I can tell she's very comfortable with herself."

"1 feel better," says Gustin. "I feel quicker and I feel happier."

"(The weight loss) will help her mobility, says head coach Dave Shoji. "It may also help her stamina. We hope it hasn't affected her strength."

For the past two seasons, Gustin has been one of the strongest players in the country. As a freshman, she stepped right into the Wahine starting line-up and earned All-WAC and All-West Region honors at middle blocker. Last year, as a sophomore, she moved to outside hitter when Lily Kahumuoku decided to sit out the season. Playing out of position, Gustin still garnered All-WAC first team honors.

"It was hard (playing outside)," she says. "It's a different arm swing, approach and blocking technique."

This year, she's back in the middle. "That's where I feel the most comfortable," she says. My first coach (at the club level) told me, 'Maja, you're a natural middle blocker' and I believe that. I like having the ability to hit quick balls. I also like blocking."

With the powerful Kahumoku back, along with the incredible leaping talents of Kim Willoughby, the Wahine have three legitimate All-America candidates. "It's awesome having Kim and Lily and everybody,' she says. "We know we have talent. Our goal is to find one heart and the right chemistry." The quest for this year's national title begins later this month with the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Classic. Powerhouses UCLA, Colorado, and Ohio State are in town to play three matches each from Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday Sept. 2 at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The schedule then marches on with the likes of Washington, San Diego State, Stanford, and BYU, intermixed with the regular suspects from the WAC.

It's a four-month march that the Wahine and their fans hope ends at NCAA Championships in New Orleans Dec. 19-21.

Maja Gustin is more than ready for the long hike.