Three Blinn College volleyball players have signed with four-year programs to continue their educational and volleyball careers.
Kylee Kaaihue signed with Missouri State University, Amina Olajuwon signed with Cameron University, and Kayla Valigura signed with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
"It really is rewarding each time one of our athletes signs because it lets us know that all the hard work pays off," said Danielle Essix, Blinn assistant coach. "I loved seeing them grow in their two years at Blinn and wish I could have them longer, but am happy to see them go on to play at the next level."
Kaaihue was named this season's Region XIV all-conference Setter of the Year after recording 597 assists and 192 digs in 116 sets. Kaaihue will join former Blinn College volleyball coach Kalie Mader, who is now the head volleyball coach at Missouri State University.
"Kylee led our team in a way that is not really explainable unless you saw it first hand," Essix said. "She was a great leader for us and we will definitely miss that from her, but we are really excited that she is able to continue to play and also get to play for Kalie Mader again."
Said Kaaihue, "I am happy that I am going to be reunited with Coach Mader and it will be a smooth transition because I know how she does things from our time together at Blinn. It is really exciting since I am from Hawaii. My overall goal is to represent my family and friends back home and make them proud."
Middle blocker Olajuwon heads to Cameron after recording 180 kills and 98 blocks this season.
"I loved my time here at Blinn, but I am so excited and can't wait to play at the next level," said Olajuwon.
Valigura moves on to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi after leading the Buccaneers with 137 blocks and recording 186 kills.
"Kayla was one of the hardest-working players I have had the opportunity to coach and showed great determination every time she stepped into the gym," Essix said. "We are so excited to see the success she brings at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi."
Blinn finished the season with a 24-9 record and placed first in the Region XIV South Zone with a 9-1 record.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 38 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
