College Commitment: MeiLani McBee (2020, Kennewick HS)
Nars Martinez
Fresh off of the final viewing period of the Spring of club ball season, we have the first commitment to announce! 2020 5'10 small forward MeiLani McBee has given a verbal commitment to the University of Hawaii. MeiLani is a standout in the Tri-Cities region of Washington and had a solid high school season for the Kennewick Lions. She has played on the adidas circuit dating back to her middle school years. She has found great success on the club scene for many years, including a 15u adidas National Championship with the NW Blazers a few years ago. MeiLani fielded multiple offers before deciding on her "dream school". MeiLani is definitely looking forward to playing the game she loves, clear of mind, "Now that I have verbally committed, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I don’t have to worry about who’s gonna want me. I can just play and focus on what I need to work on to help improve my game and my teammates' game."
Interview:
1) What was your initial reaction when you received an offer from Hawaii?
"I was completely in shock when I found out that Coach Beeman wanted me. The day before I called her to confirm, I had cried because I had thought wow my dreams are really coming true. The feeling I had when she had said she wanted me, that I will never forget. I wouldn’t be making this decision without the support of my family and friends and the coaches who have helped me throughout my journey and for that I am truly blessed and thankful for all the opportunities I have been given."
2) What are you planning to work on the most before you ever step foot on campus?
"I definitely need to work more on my attack moves. I mean I know I can do it, but I tend to hold back sometimes, which I will admit. Coach definitely liked that I was a sharp shooter, so I will be putting up a lot of shots. And academically I will be keeping up with all my work in order for graduation."
MeiLani will be one of multiple Blazers to have played for the Rainbow Warriors including two-time first team all league performer, Sarah Toeaina and current standout Lauren Rewers. MeiLani plans to apply for the nursing program and is excited about the medical department that Hawaii provides.
Photo Credit: David Noble
