Talaia Tonga '23 Recruiting Profile

My parents are the first generation in their family to be born in the US. Their parents made the brave decision to cross an ocean and live in an unfamiliar land so their children can have the opportunities they didn't. My parents didn't have the chance to take advantage of all that was available to them. They had to help their parents survive and pave the way for the next generation.

For those reasons, I have made it my goal to take advantage of every opportunity my parents have provided me. Through volleyball, I will be able to go to school, take care of my family, give back to my community and become the role model to future generations.

Through my parents examples, I've learned the meaning of hard work, dedication, loyalty, love & respect. All things I will bring to the team.

What makes me different from other recruits? The love I have for family & culture. To me, those two things go hand in hand.  Without my culture, I wouldn't know who I am, where I come from or how to love. We fight hard and love harder - two things i take with me everywhere I go, especially on the court.