Alexis Amon-Wilkins was all smiles when she signed to play volleyball at Wentworth Military Academy, a junior college in Missouri.
Wentworth’s mission statement reads: “To provide the environment and resources necessary for its students to develop their potential in academics, leadership, physical well-being, moral character, and self-discipline so they become productive citizens in a diverse, global society.”
That sounds like being rousted out of bed by the loud sound of a trumpet at the crack of dawn and running 100 miles before breakfast.
But the Red Dragons who play sports are not subject to the full-time military training, only the rigid discipline of their respective coaches.
Amon-Wilkins is a recent Waiakea graduate and never thought she would play college ball, not after she was cut in her junior year. She played on the junior varsity her first two years.
As a senior, Amon-Wilkins didn’t try out for the Warriors and instead continued to play club ball for HI Intensity coach Carla Carpenter-Kabalis, the former Vul great who’s in the NAIA Hall of Fame.
“I was definitely heart-broken when I was cut. But I didn’t give up because I love the sport so much,” Alexis said. “I never thought I’d play at the next level.”
Her dad, Rio Amon-Wilkins, was all smiles, too, at the signing ceremony with Carpenter-Kabalis and assistant coach Sam Thomas.
“I really didn’t think that was going to happen. I pretty much thought after high school, that would be it,” Rio said. “But she kept at it. She was determined and loved volleyball and kept at it.”
It turned into a good thing that Rio and Coach Sam work for the Hilo Police Department. That’s how Alexis, during her freshman year, found a home at HI Intensity, where tryouts are required to make the club team.
But for those who take it as serious business and absolutely love volleyball, HI Intensity is a good launching pad for college ball.
Alexis’ signing continues a string of HI Intensity players landing in college over the last four years: Amanda Loeffler, Eva Toledo, Angel Alameda, Maxine Block, Tiana Reynolds, Kylee Ancheta, Maraea O’Connor, Jeyci Kaili, Lehua Keka, Shavonne DeMattos, Waihilo Chartrand, Randi Estrada, Chelzie Ulu, Macy Hayashi, and Leeta Grap.
“My biggest influences are the people in the picture who you see,” Alexis said. “Coach Carla is an inspiration to me. She’s always taught me to never give up and keep pushing.
“My dad is another big influence. He realized how much I love to play and would encourage me to go to the gym and better myself skill-wise. When I was down after being cut, Coach Sam was there to pick me up.”
Alexis put up a profile on ncsasports.org and Wentworth coach Shelby Woodward responded. After video from the Haili tournament was sent, a scholarship was offered.
“I was so grateful and thankful for the opportunity to continue to play volleyball at the next level,” said Alexis, who was skeptical when she saw Military Academy on the Red Dragons’ website. “I was a bit on edge until I talked to coach Shelby. I’m able to pursue my associate degree in nursing and play volleyball. I really love to do both things. There are no ties to the military after your years are up. You get to sleep in like a normal college kid.”
Alexis is listed at 5 feet 8 and was recruited as a libero, but she played all over the place for HI Intensity, taking a package of versatility along with warm clothes to Wentworth.
Kaneolani Chun, a 5-9 sophomore from Oahu’s Nanakuli High, and 5-10 incoming freshman Tori Daligcon, from Kauai, are two other Hawaii players on the Wentworth roster. Besides trading small-kid stories, the local girls can also share spam musubi.
Speaking of good kine local food, Alexis’ mom Dawn Kanealii-Kleinfelder is the owner and runs Liko Lehua in Kaumana and Pauahi, next to American Savings Bank.
Alexis works at the Pauahi place and can tell her Red Dragon teammates about the restaurant’s food like her favorite dish.
“It’s the chicken risotto,” Alexis said. “I’m a hostess and server, and I like seeing new faces come in the door. When you see how happy people are eating, that puts a smile on my face. I’d definitely recommend to make reservations.”
