Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
OREM — When Liana Latu stepped onto the court for the 5A state volleyball finals earlier this month, all eyes were on her. Nerves filled the 5-foot-11 starting middle blocker as the spotlight shone on her.
"I can do this," the 15-year-old Skyline High School sophomore thought. "We got this."
Within seconds of her stepping onto the court, the crowd fell silent.
"Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light …"
For the next two minutes, Liana held a captive audience that cheered for her as she belted out a rendition of the National Anthem that would rival most experienced singers. As she handed over the mic, the crowd kept cheering the entire team all the way to a 5A state title.
"Honestly, I said no to singing because I was losing my voice from cheering the first day of state," Liana said. "Then my aunty, Celest (who is my coach), put my name down on the roster to sing. When they called my name, I was so nervous but I just went up there and did my best. I closed my eyes through most of the song because that crowd was the biggest I've ever sung in front of."
Liana's mom, Centennial Alofipo, expressed how proud she was of her daughter, who has only recently discovered her talent for singing. She has very few videos of her daughter singing because she said she had to "sneak videos" of her singing in the house. Alofipo said this newfound talent has been a joy to watch.
"I was so nervous for her, but she did it! She's amazing," the proud mother said.
"I was more scared of singing than playing," Liana added.
That nervous energy converted well into positivity, however, as Skyline defeated Bountiful with a 3-0 win, clinching its first state title in 22 years.
"It was unreal," Liana said. "It felt like a dream. I knew we could do it if we worked as a team. It wasn't my best game, but I loved being part of this team, especially being able to play with my cousins, NafaNUA and Ofeina Alofipo."
With two seasons left in her high school athletic career, Liana has big goals ahead.
"I plan to enlist in the Utah Air National Guard like my mom and aunties and work part-time while playing volleyball at a local college," she said.
As for singing — it might just be one of those good luck charms she brings along with her to the court.