HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine volleyball head coach Dave Shoji announced the signing of Hawai'i prep stars Tayler Higgins and Nikki Taylor for the 2013 season.

Higgins comes to UH as a true freshman from Punahou School. The 5-10 setter had a stellar career for the Buff 'N Blue, guiding the team to state titles in 2011 and '12. 

“Tayler possesses the same athletic abilities as her brothers,” said Shoji, speaking of Jeremy who plays quarterback at UH and Cameron who played collegiately at Weber State. “She's played at a high level in both club and high school and has been a winner at both. She can run a very sophisticated offense and will have no problems fitting into our system. She can also play defense, is a very good blocker, and has the leadership qualities needed in a setter.” 

As a junior Higgins was named league player of the year and selected as the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year for Hawai'i. This past summer she earned Volleyball Magazine High School All-America honors and also ranks 19th on Prepvolleyball.com's Senior Aces List. “Tayler will challenge for playing time next season and is going to be the Rainbow Wahine setter of the future,” added Shoji. “She will be the next in a long line of great local setters to play at UH.” 

Taylor also joins the 'Bows as a true freshman. “Nikki has the potential to be a huge asset to our program and has the size and power of a terminal outside hitter,” Shoji said of his 6-3 outside hitter. “She has good all-around skills and could become a six-rotation player. She can play on the left or right side and we will try her at both positions.” 

Taylor prepped at Kaiser High School in Honolulu and her brother, Josh, was the 2010 boys volleyball state player of the year at Punahou.