MOSCOW, Idaho - Summer is in session, the Vandals are coming back to town, and the schedule has been released. Live volleyball is closer than we think.
As summer training rolls on, Vandal fans get the opportunity to meet the newcomers taking the court for Idaho Volleyball in time for the 2025 season. Since the end of last year, ten newcomers have arrived in Moscow from the transfer portal and high school levels. Three of which enrolled in time for the spring, which leaves seven to make their Idaho introduction.
First up among the new members of the Vandal family is Koen Makaula.
MEET KOEN
A rising junior middle blocker originally from Kailua, Hawaii, Koen becomes the second Vandal on the 2025 roster to hail from the Aloha State. Finishing her prep career at Punahou School in 2023, she committed to the University of Nevada.
As a freshman with the wolfpack, Koen played in 32 total sets, earning an ATK% of .417 alongside six kills and four blocks against Boise State that November, all season highs. She finished her first college season with totals of 25 kills, 22 total blocks, 11 digs, and 36.5 total points, according to Nevada Athletics.
In her sophomore campaign, Makaula took it up a notch from '23, appearing in 48 sets and helping the Wolfpack on offense and defense. She recorded a season-high three total blocks vs. Oregon State early in the year, followed by a career-high eight kills and nine points the next day vs. Cal State Bakersfield. She would end her second season in Reno with 31 kills, 19 blocks, and eight digs in 48 sets played.
Now a rising junior entering her first season in black and gold, Koen provides valuable Mountain West experience and looks to bring success to Moscow, a task she is excited for.
"I feel very grateful and excited to rep the Vandals, and I am so ready to be a part of this culture and make the most of this opportunity that [head] coach Romana [Redondo Kriskova] has blessed me with," said Makaula.
A culture is building among Vandal Volleyball, and the newest members of the family are taking notice.
"I was drawn to Idaho because of the sense of belonging I felt after having many conversationgs with the coaches and girls on the team. Coach Ro got to know me on a personal level first, which I really appreciated."
FOLLOW THE VANDALS
To stay up to date with Vandal Volleyball, follow the team on Instagram (vandalvolleyball), X (IdahoVolleyball) and visit govandals.com
