Heading into the month of October, the EC women’s volleyball team looked like it was heading for trouble. It had just lost sophomore outside hitter Nicole Echeverri and with 10 new faces on the team, it was in desperate need of a leader.

Luckily for the Warriors, they had sophomore setter SueKalena “Suka” Tafao.

Tafao was thrust into the role of team leader after Echeverri went down and she quickly embraced the responsibility. Leading the team to an 18-2 record since that point.

“She’s a leader, a hard-worker and all-around good teammate,” sophomore outside hitter Ashley Morimoto said.

Tafao is the starting setter for the women’s volleyball team and has been a pivotal part to the team’s success. Playing the majority of every game and leading with not only her words but also her play on the court.

“She’s leading in kills, one of our dig leaders and one of our best blockers. She carries a ton of responsibility.” coach Le Valley Pattison said.

Pattison has not only helped Tafao make the transition into a leader, but an overall better player as well. Teaching her about the finer points of the setter position.

“She’s pushed me in so many different areas,” Tafao said. “Playing under her has pushed me to become a better player and person all-around.”

Tafao has always had an interest in volleyball from a very young age. Often playing with her parents until she was old enough to join a team. Both of her parents being the inspiration from which she draws upon.

“I’ve always had a thing for volleyball,” Tafao said. “So they finally put me on a team when I was 10.”

Tafao is a graduate of St. Anthony High School class of 2011, having played there during her junior and senior years. But Tafao suffered a setback during her senior year after she tore her Anterior Crucial Ligament (ACL) in her left leg.

Following the reconstructive surgery on the left knee, Tafao had to wait a full year before being cleared to play volleyball again.

“It was such a painful process. I was in rehab for eight months,” Tafao said.

Due to the surgery and rehabilitation, Tafao decided to take a year off before returning to school. Ultimately deciding to attend El Camino College.

“When I came back to college I was just trying to get back into the whole school thing as far as homework and classes,” Tafao said. “I just missed volleyball.”

Tafao’s left knee fully healed and she has been playing some of the best volleyball of her life since then. Quickly making a name for herself as a member of the Warriors.

During her free time Tafao enjoys spending quality time with her family. She is the eldest sister of four and is always supporting her siblings.

“I have four brothers and they’re all in sports,” Tafao said. “So when I’m not playing or in school we all go watch each other’s games.”

Tafao’s plans for the future involve transferring to a four-year university and earning a degree in business or possibly psychology.

As for her experience at EC, Tafao will look back at her time here and always remember the bonds she has formed with her teammates and how close they have all become.

“It’s definitely better than what I expected,” Tafao said on her time at EC. “This is the most fun team I’ve played on. Everyone is fun to be around on and off the court.”