Pepperdine Waves women’s volleyball player Hana Lishman’s journey to representing the red, white and blue on the volleyball court began over a decade ago and over 2,500 miles away.
The indoor volleyball player was a member of various club teams in Kailua, Hawaii, and although she laced up sneakers and cleats for other sports as a youngster, she quickly realized volleyball was the right fit for her.
“I absolutely fell in love with volleyball,” and said, ‘I want to stick with this,’” said Lishman during a June 19 interview. “The people I was around when playing volleyball were great friends. The people made it worthwhile. I love the game and the excitement.”
Now, the 21-year-old is completing six days of volleyball training as a member of the U.S. Women’s Collegiate National Team—Anaheim. Lishman was excited about being a member of the 28-member USA Volleyball club.
“It’s a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to train and play at the level and be with the national team representing the USA,” she said. “I’m also representing Pepperdine and my family, so it’s a huge honor and dream come true.”
Lishman, a libero on the volleyball court, has always wanted to play volleyball on the national team.
“Ever since I began playing the sport, I wanted to play as long as I could and get to the highest level,” she said.
She was selected for the team after taking part in March tryouts with other high-level college volleyball players, including two teammates. It was her third time participating in USA Volleyball tryouts.
Pepperdine coach Scott Wong said in April that Lishman is committed to excellence on and off the court.
“Hana is now one of the premier liberos in the country and this is a great opportunity to train with the best,” he said.
Lishman and the other athletes on the National Team—Anaheim have been practicing their volleyball skills at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim since June 23. The squad’s practicing will conclude on Saturday. A highlight of the week is the team’s red-blue scrimmage on Friday at Irvine Valley College.
Heading into the USA Volleyball event, Lishman was excited about competing.
“It’s a really cool experience, a really cool opportunity,” she said. “I’m looking forward to learning more, increasing my volleyball IQ and meeting new people. I’m excited to play with people I never thought I would play alongside and play on the same side of the net with some rivals, which is cool.”
Lishman said this week will benefit her as a Wave, also.
“I’m excited to take everything I learn and apply it to my final season at Pepperdine,” said Lishman, who will be a senior when the Waves’ season begins in late August.
Pepperdine finished the 2018 campaign with a 22-9 record and an appearance in the NCAA tournament.
Lishman said being a member of the USA Volleyball Collegiate National Team is a big part of her volleyball journey, but she still reminisces about her beginning in the sport when she played on club teams with her cousins.
“My parents coached me when I was little,” she said. “They made me work out. They were always there at every practice and learned the game. I got to start this whole journey with people that I love.”