JULIANA LEILANIOMAKALAPUA SANDERS

She loves the tradition and pride that come with being a Rainbow Wahine. It could be a heavy load, especially for a local girl, but not for Sanders.

“I don’t feel extra pressure on me to perform,” she said. “On this team, everyone contributes.

We all carry an equal load of pressure.

“I have so much faith in my team. I’m expecting a great senior year.”

Bothered by back spasms last year, Sanders said she’s nearly 100 percent now. The goal is to match her uniform number to the team’s national finish: No. 1.

“We have so much potential,” the honorable mention All-America middle blocker said. “We’ve worked very hard this summer and it feels great. We’ve got a lot of hungry people and competition is healthy.

“We’ve got a great bunch of girls, seniors down to the freshmen, and everyone brings something different. For me, I want to keep improving on my game and be healthy. I’m expecting a great senior year. I expect a national championship.”

MAJOR: Sociology.

AMBITION: To be successful and happy.

WHAT I’LL MISS MOST ABOUT BEING A WAHINE: The “Wahine Experience” (fans, teammates, practices, etc.)

FAVORITE CHILL SPACE: Beach.

FAVORITE UH PLAYING MEMORY: Beating USC 2006.

FAVORITE SONG: Attention Span.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Braveheart.

FAVORITE BOOK: Dr. Seuss books, Where’s Waldo, Eye Spy.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Nip/Tuck.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: PE.

FAVORITE FOOD: Hawaiian grindz.

THREE FAVORITE THINGS: Beach, food, family. SENIOR QUOTE: “Live how you want to live and be who you wanna be. Do what makes you happy.”

AWARDS: All-American (HM) 3; All-Region 3; AllWAC 2,3; WAC all-freshman 1.