Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Former Tiger star hopes college career is a howl

Kameo Peña is set to play volleyball for UNM Lobos as a freshman walk-on

Jason W. Brooks News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jbrooks@news-bulletin.com

Los Lunas The lead character in the video game "Kameo: Elements of Power" bears little resemblance to 2008 Los Lunas High School graduate Kameo Peña, except for maybe the dark hair. Peña, in her volleyball and basketball career at LLHS, never had to battle rolling armadillos or plants that spit toxic bile.

All Peña had to do was smash volleyballs down to the court and block the attempts of her opponents, an area where she did a fine job the past few seasons. This summer, Peña is preparing to take her athletic career to a whole new level as she joins the volleyball team at the University of New Mexico as a walk-on.

"I'm going to have to step it up a lot of notches," said Peña, who received numerous district, Albuquerque-area and state awards in her volleyball career. "I'm kind of scared, and I know I'll have to change everything."

Peña, who was joined by Devonne Martinez and Gabby Pino on the all-District 5-5A volleyball team last fall, was the main cog in the Tigers' offense this season, and hit from all parts of the court. Her Los Lunas coach, Connie Campos, said the 6-foot, 1-inch Peña is probably most effective as a middle blocker.

"I told her that she better be prepared to sit awhile," Campos said regarding Peña's UNM aspirations. "I hope she does well, and some of her playing time might depend on whether she plays inside or outside."

Peña played with a club team in the spring, something Campos said should help her improve her skills. Peña also was honored as an all-academic player, but the real test for her will be how well she operates around a strong lineup.

"All of the girls on the team are going to be good," said Campos, who has coached the Lady Tigers for two seasons and high school volleyball since the 1970s. "Even the No. 10, 11 and 12 players on the roster are going to be top caliber, and the sets and passes are almost always going to be right on."

Peña was selected to the North team for the North-South volleyball all star match, to be played at UNM in late July. Campos will serve as the North team's coach. The 17-year-old Peña said she has received a packet from UNM coach Jeff Nelson that includes summer workout instructions.

"He's kind of strict, and when you first meet him, he's very intimidating," said Peña. "But he's actually the nicest guy."

Getting over intimidation will be an all-around project for Peña. In some of last year's District 5-5A matches, Peña looked somewhat intimidated at the net, especially against players who were able to block her hit attempts.

LLHS went 10-11 last season and made the first round of the Class 5A state tournament, losing to Eldorado.

"It's going to be intense," she said regarding the improvements she must make. The Lady Lobos won 16 games last season, their first under Nelson, improving by six wins over 2006-07.

Nelson isn't allowed to comment on Pena right now, but he stands to gain from having a tall, talented front-line player join an already crowded incoming freshman class.

"Kameo has not signed a letter of intent with us...so I cannot comment on her until she arrives on campus (per NCAA rules)," said Nelson in an e-mail to the News-Bulletin . "I can tell you we have recruited her and are excited about her joining us in August."

"She's the best opportunity we've had for someone to play (Division) I," said Campos, who added she doesn't know of any other Lady Tigers who have gone on to play volleyball in a D-I program.

Peña was able to play in the Class 4A-5A North-South All-Star basketball game last month in Gallup, starting at center, winning the opening tip and getting some rebounds. She split time with a Piedra Vista player as her North team won, 82-64. The North was coached by Belen native Phil Griego of St. Pius, and one of Peña's teammates was Ashley Rhoades, who will also play volleyball at UNM.

"It was great that we all got along well," said Peña. "We had some hard practices, and we had a few blisters."

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