Defensive powerhouse Dream Takemoto makes waves in the Northwest Conference, leads in digs
- Leslie Gomez, Staff Writer
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
At just 5-foot-3, sophomore defensive specialist Dream Takemoto (’28) may not grab the eye by height, but she is already becoming a driving force for Willamette’s volleyball team. On Nov. 8, the Bearcats clinched a playoff berth at No. 4 in conference. Takemoto led the Northwest Conference in total digs on the regular season, and on Nov. 10, she earned NWC Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team honors.
From Waipahu, where island breezes and community courts form the backdrop of daily life, Takemoto made the jump to Salem, Oregon, bringing with her the spirit of Hawaii. For Takemoto, this means humility, determination and an under-the-radar competitiveness.
As a defender/libero (DS/L) for the Bearcats, Takemoto’s role is all about anticipation, quick feet and reading the game. This season, she has already earned plenty of recognition: on Nov. 3, she was named the Northwest Conference Defensive Student-Athlete of the week for the third time, highlighting her impact on the court and her effectiveness in a role that rarely makes headlines.
Takemoto first picked up the sport in elementary school and never put it down. “I started playing competitively around fourth or fifth grade. Then, in my senior year, I realized I really wanted to continue playing. I didn't want to stop. So I started reaching out to coaches, and that's how I found Willamette,” she said.
In high school, Takemoto focused on her skills as a defender. As a member of the varsity team, surrounded by experienced players, she learned the importance of having a solid community in volleyball. Takemoto immediately gravitated toward the family-like atmosphere of the Bearcat program. The transition from island life to Oregon was a big one, but the people made it easy, she said. “I have a really good support system with my teammates and my coach. We were able to have connections outside of volleyball. I've been able to become friends with other student athletes who I have other things in common with.”
For many athletes from Hawaii, getting noticed by mainland colleges can be a challenge. “Unlike athletes on the mainland [who] are able to drive to tournaments, we have to fundraise and prep for the entire season,” Takemoto said. “Maybe you would go on maybe two or three big trips.” Her perseverance and determination is constantly being shown, through playing varsity in high school and continuously reaching out to coaches from the mainland with highlight reels.
The quiet power of a libero is often overlooked in highlight reels. Yet in Takemoto’s case, the ability to read hitters, get teammates up for offense, and anchor the backcourt gives her an outsized role in the Bearcats’ rhythm, a fact that shows up tangibly on the court.
What stands out the most about Takemoto isn't just her quick reads — it’s the way she builds trust and togetherness among her teammates. For Takemoto, volleyball has always been about relationships. “I really love being able to connect with my teammates,” she said.
The sense of connection pays off when the pressure is on, as seen on an Oct. 17 match against Whitworth — last year's conference champions — where the Bearcats stunned the Pirates 3-2. “Our team hasn't won against them in three seasons,” she noted. ”It was amazing to work together. It made it a really special game for us.”
Takemoto finds meaning in the moments between the points. The trust she has in her team directly reflects the trust she knows her team has in her. With that trust, there's no pressure to be the one making the points. "Even though I'm not always getting the kills or the blocks, I know I can do my job and defend.”
The Bearcats will take on No. 1 ranked Whitworth in the conference semifinals in Spokane on Nov. 14.
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