Editor's note: Kanoe Kamana'o and Cayley Thurlby have been the Rainbow Wahine setters for four years, and co-captains the past two. Here is a look at how Thurlby, who graduates next semester in broadcast journalism and marketing, sees her unique relationship with Kamana'o.

Jamie Kanoelehua Kamana'o, wow that's a mouthful especially for a Mainlander. When I first heard Kanoe's name it was from one of my best friends and teammates in Chicago, Sam Tortorello (former Penn State All-American). We were juniors, it was June 6, 2001, and I had just made a verbal commitment to the University of Hawai'i.

Sam had played with Kanoe on the junior national team the summer before and was attempting to teach me my first bit of Hawaiian. Lesson No. 1 — never relate a Hawaiian word to an English word.

"Cayley it's easy," Sam said. "Her name sounds like the word canoe but it's not ... it's Kanoe."

To say the least, I called Kanoe "canoe" for the next couple weeks until I met her face to face at Junior Olympics in a convention center somewhere in Salt Lake City, Utah. She looked like Lilo from "Lilo & Stitch" and really didn't say much. I thought she was shy. Little did I know she was baffled by my Chicago accent and the fact that I was more tan than her.

I'm not gonna lie, it was awkward ... those first couple of days at the start of our 2003 season were weird. Here was a local girl at home in her own comfort zone and there was me, this out-of-towner, totally threatened by her presence. Things could have been bad, but they weren't.

Those first few days set the tone for the next four years. We would share our birthdays a day apart in the midst of intense practice every August. It was just the beginning of a close friendship.

Setting with Kanoe became an experience that only made each of us better. I learned from her strengths and she learned from mine. During matches she was always willing to listen to any feedback I had for her. Kanoe is a very humble player. The numerous awards and accolades she has earned haven't for one second taken her away from who she is.

In my opinion, Kanoe would identify herself through being around close friends and her family. She cherishes the time she spends with her sisters and parents, and the large Kamana'o 'ohana that is pretty much the entire island. It was from Kanoe that I learned that calling someone your auntie doesn't mean that you are directly related by blood. If I was Kanoe, I would be a little freaked out by all the people that claim to be related to her, but she just smiles and nods as the individual runs through their family genealogy.

The girl has a big heart. When picking out her dog, Buddy, she chose the little greyhound because she felt sorry for him; Kanoe will be the first to tell you that he wasn't the cutest at first, but I think he grew on her. She is always busy. Between Buddy and her boyfriend Kala (Ka'aihue) she has her hands full. Don't worry, I don't think she is dating Kala because she feels sorry for him. Speaking of the couple, I, for one, have been taking predictions on when the two are going to tie the knot. Not only will they be the most recognizable couple on the island, but they are destined to have some very athletic offspring. You can guarantee I will be back to Hawai'i for that wedding.

Life is all about experiences, and the various paths one can take. We all grow up in different ways and on our own time. It has been a pleasure to grow up with Kanoe over the past four years. We have been through the good, bad and the ugly ... but we always managed to find our Rainbow.