The , in partnership with the , has launched the Shoji Society, a new leadership giving society designed to recognize transformational philanthropy and inspire long-term investment in the future of Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine Athletics.

Named in honor of legendary women’s volleyball head coach Dave Shoji, the Shoji Society recognizes individuals and organizations making significant commitments to UH Athletics and the success of its student-athletes. Membership begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over up to five years and supports the Our Team, �鶹��ý’s Team Fund and/or the Boost the ’Bows Fund at the department or team level, through endowments, naming opportunities or capital projects.

The Shoji Society serves as the major giving component of the newly launched , which provides opportunities for supporters at all giving levels to invest in UH Athletics. Together, the programs create a comprehensive philanthropic framework that recognizes both broad community support and transformational leadership investments.

The Shoji Society launches with 10 charter members whose leadership commitments or lifetime giving of $1 million or more are helping establish a strong foundation for the future of UH Athletics. Waterhouse Charitable Trust, the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, the Dr. Alvin and Monica Saake Foundation, Rie Wong and the Edwin S.N. Wong Foundation, Bank of �鶹��ý, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, Jack and Frances Tsui, Walter Dods and Gabe and Shirley Lee have collectively committed over $38,300,000 over 46 years to strengthen opportunities for UH Mānoa student-athletes and help position UH Athletics for long-term success.

The launch comes at a pivotal time in college athletics as philanthropy and name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities play an increasingly important role in helping universities recruit, retain and support student-athletes. As the Division I landscape continues to evolve, long-term philanthropic investment has become essential to maintaining competitive athletics programs and providing student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom, in competition and beyond.

“The Shoji Society represents the next step in building a sustainable future for UH Athletics,” UH Mānoa Director of Athletics Matt Elliott said. “We are incredibly grateful for the individuals and organizations whose generosity and belief in our student-athletes make this possible. College athletics has changed, and long-term philanthropic investment is essential to providing our student-athletes with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. The Shoji Society recognizes those whose commitment will have a lasting impact on �鶹��ý Athletics for generations.”

Few individuals embody the spirit of UH Athletics more than Shoji. During his 42-year career, he built one of the most successful programs in collegiate volleyball history, leading the Rainbow Wahine to four national championships and more than 1,200 victories. Just as importantly, he inspired generations of supporters to invest in UH Athletics, helping generate more than $1.3 million in philanthropic support for student-athlete scholarships and program needs during his coaching tenure.

After discussions with UH Athletics leadership, Shoji personally approved the use of his name for the society, recognizing the important role philanthropy now plays in supporting student-athletes and the future success of UH Athletics.

“I am deeply humbled that my name is associated with such a meaningful initiative,” Shoji said. “What has always made UH Athletics special is the incredible support from our community. Today’s student-athletes face a very different landscape than they did when I was coaching, and philanthropy has become an important part of helping them compete at the highest level while earning a world-class education. I hope this inspires more people to invest in the future of UH Athletics.”

The Shoji Society is the first major giving society in UH Athletics history to be named in honor of an individual, recognizing Shoji’s extraordinary contributions to the university, its student-athletes and the broader �鶹��ý community.

“Coach Shoji’s success was never measured solely by wins and championships,” Elliott said. “He built a culture of excellence, inspired people to believe in our student-athletes and brought our community together in support of UH Athletics. The Shoji Society honors that legacy while helping ensure future generations of student-athletes have the opportunity to achieve their own success.”

Shoji Society giving levels

Donors are recognized across four Shoji Society giving levels based on cumulative commitments: $50,000, $250,000, $500,000 and $1 million. Each level may be achieved through qualifying multiyear pledge commitments over five years.

Shoji Society members receive recognition and engagement opportunities commensurate with their level of support, including exclusive events, access to athletics leadership and coaches, gameday experiences and other stewardship opportunities. More importantly, their investments help provide scholarships, NIL opportunities, student-athlete development resources, facility enhancements and other priorities that directly impact the student-athlete experience.

For its inaugural year, donors who contributed at least $50,000 during fiscal year 2025–26 will receive honorary Shoji Society status through June 30, 2027, with continued membership determined by a qualifying pledge commitment.

For more information about the Shoji Society, .

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� football player Micah Kaonohi-Kaihenui has been named to the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, recognizing student-athletes for excellence in community service, academics and athletics.

The senior tight end from Waimānalo, Oʻahu, is one of 113 Football Bowl Subdivision players selected nationwide. The Wuerffel Trophy is college football’s premier award for community service.

Kaonohi-Kaihenui has participated in numerous service projects, including food drives and environmental restoration efforts. He was also a key member of the Rainbow Warriors’ special teams unit last season.

A psychology major, Kaonohi-Kaihenui was named to the 2025 Academic All-Mountain West team and is a three-time Mountain West Scholar-Athlete.

In September, 11 players from the watch list will be selected to the Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team and become semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy. The 2026 recipient will be announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 11.

For more information, visit the .

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� running back and return specialist Cam Barfield has been selected to the

Barfield, a senior from Las Vegas, enters his third season as a Rainbow Warrior. Last year he earned all-Mountain West second team honors as a kick returner. He was also a crucial piece in the �鶹��ýoffense, starting three games at running back.

Now in its 17th season, the Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in college football by the Louisville Sports Commission in memory of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. Barfield is just one of two players from the Mountain West Conference selected to the watch list.

The winner of the Paul Hornung Award will be honored at the annual dinner in Louisville, Kentucky in March 2027.

Read more at

The , in partnership with the , is launching the ’Bows Athletics Club, a new fundraising and membership program designed to strengthen support for UH student-athletes while giving fans more flexibility in how they invest in the future of �鶹��ý Athletics.

Beginning July 1, 2027, the ’Bows Athletics Club will replace the H-Club Athletic Fund and serve as the primary annual giving program for UH Athletics. While the new program officially launches in 2027–28, contributions and pledges made between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027 will count toward ’Bows Athletics Club membership status and benefits, allowing supporters to begin earning membership status and benefits now.

Supporters can begin participating and earning membership status today

The new model allows supporters to direct their gifts to the teams, programs and student-athlete initiatives they care about most while earning benefits and recognition through a single, streamlined system.

The launch comes at a pivotal time for college athletics. As programs across the country navigate rapid changes in recruiting, student-athlete support and competition, private philanthropy is playing an increasingly important role in helping universities provide opportunities and resources for student-athletes to succeed.

At UH, support through the ’Bows Athletics Club will help fund resources that directly impact nearly 500 Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine student-athletes, including academic support services, nutrition programs, equipment, travel, training resources and other initiatives that contribute to success in competition, the classroom and the community.

For generations, Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine teams have united �鶹��ý. The ’Bows Athletics Club creates a new opportunity for fans, alumni and supporters statewide to invest in the success of UH student-athletes and help ensure a strong future for �鶹��ý Athletics.

“The ’Bows Athletics Club is about making it easier for people to support UH Athletics in the ways that matter most to them,” UH ����ԴDz� Athletics Director Matt Elliott said. “Whether you’ve been a supporter for years or you’re making your very first gift, every contribution helps create opportunities for our student-athletes. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported UH Athletics over the years, and we hope even more people will join us as we continue building Our Team, �鶹��ý‘s Team.”

The program aligns UH Athletics with best practice fundraising models used by Division I athletics programs across the country while providing greater flexibility and transparency for donors.

’Bows Athletics Club membership benefits

Membership levels begin at $100 and are based on total annual giving. Supporters who contribute at least $100 to an individual sport also become members of that team’s booster club.

Depending on their giving level, members may receive benefits such as priority access to postseason tickets, invitations to exclusive events (including unique merchandise opportunities), hospitality experiences, eligibility to purchase reserved parking and other gameday opportunities. UH Athletics will be introducing additional member benefits over time, including exclusive merchandise opportunities available only to club members.

Annual Giving Membership levels include:

Booster $100

All-Conference: $500

All-American: $2,000

Champion: $5,000+

Donors who contribute $10,000 or more annually will receive additional recognition and status, with details to be announced in the days to come.

Loyalty points system rewards long-term support

A new loyalty points system that will complement the ’Bows Athletics Club recognizes both longtime supporters and new members. Points are earned through charitable giving, season ticket purchases and years of loyalty to UH Athletics.

The system will help determine priority access to postseason tickets, future ticket and seat relocation opportunities, and future seat selection opportunities at the new Aloha Stadium. While ’Bows Athletics Club annual membership levels are based on giving during the previous academic year, loyalty points recognize long-term support by incorporating eligible contributions and season ticket history dating back to 2001.

Early participation benefits

2026–27 H-Club members will automatically receive All-Conference status during the ’Bows Athletics Club inaugural 2027–28 academic year, ensuring a smooth transition as supporters become familiar with the new program.

Fans, alumni and supporters are encouraged to become part of the ’Bows Athletics Club and help support the next generation of Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine student-athletes.

Additional information about membership levels, benefits and giving opportunities is available through .

For more, .

This announcement comes as UH Athletics is celebrating a historic 2025–26 season heading into the 2026–27 season. Milestones from last year include:

• Men’s volleyball captured its third national championship in six years, cementing the Rainbow Warriors’ place among the nation’s elite programs.
• Men’s basketball won its first Big West Championship in a decade and returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years.
• Football capped a 9-4 season with a �鶹��ý Bowl championship, giving the Rainbow Warriors their third consecutive bowl victory.
• UH teams combined for five Big West championships, including titles in men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s basketball and women’s water polo.
• Kansei Matsuzawa became the first consensus All-American in the 109-year history of UH football, adding another milestone to a season filled with historic accomplishments.
• UH Athletics enters a new era with continuity and new leadership, with contract extensions for football coach Timmy Chang, baseball coach Rich Hill and men’s basketball coach Eran Ganot, as well as the addition of Laura Beeman to the senior leadership team as associate athletics director for student-athlete success.

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� swimming and diving head coach Steve Allnutt announced the hiring of QiongJie “Ajie” (Huang) Drew as the program’s new men’s and women’s diving coach. Drew’s addition to the coaching staff marks a return to her alma mater where she established herself as one of the most decorated Rainbow Wahine divers in program history.

“We are thrilled to bring Coach Ajie into our team,” Allnutt said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the diving world ranging from the NCAA system, to international competition and elite American competition. Our swimming-and-diving team will greatly benefit from her attitude and passion for people and excellence. As an alumna and UH Circle of Honor member, Coach Ajie knows how to find success at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex, and we’re proud to have her as the leader for our divers.”

“I am truly humbled and honored to once again be a part of the University of �鶹��ý swimming and diving program,” Drew said.

Drew, a 2013 inductee into the UH Sports Circle of Honor, became �鶹��ý‘s first national champion in diving when she won the 1-meter springboard title at the 2005 NCAA Championships. Across three seasons with the Rainbow Wahine, she earned eight NCAA All-America honors, placing third in the 1-meter in 2006 and fourth in the 3-meter in 2005.

Read more at .

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� women’s soccer team will open the 2026 season at the new on-campus field.

Phase I of the on-campus field was recently completed. Temporary bleachers and other necessary infrastructure to accommodate teams and spectators will be installed.

The team will move from Waipiʻo Peninsula Soccer Stadium and play its first seven matches on the ����ԴDz� campus. A potential return to Waipiʻo Stadium will be considered when Mountain West competition begins in October.

UH’s season opener is August 13 vs. Texas Tech at 4 p.m. as part of the three-team, two–day OUTRIGGER Soccer Kickoff tournament.

Admission to matches at the on-campus field is free. Applicable parking fees apply.

Read more at .

Three University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� women’s soccer players have been selected to the Mountain West Preseason Player Watch List ahead of the Rainbow Wahine’s first year in the conference. Senior forward Anuhea Aluli, senior midfielder Izzy Ayala and junior goalkeeper Kennedy Justin were recognized on the league’s preseason list.

The Wahine also checked in at No. 6 in the preseason coaches’ poll.

The selections underscore a talented roster that boasts both extensive collegiate experience and local championship pedigree. Justin, a former first-team all-region selection, has already established herself as one of the region’s elite goalkeepers after a historic freshman campaign and a sophomore year in which she was named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List.

Ayala, the heart of the Rainbow Wahine midfield, enters her senior year after playing nearly every minute of the 2025 season. Aluli, an Oʻahu native, joins the Rainbow Wahine rotation as a senior transfer from Oakland, bringing a wealth of Division I experience and a pedigree as a goal-scoring threat.

The Rainbow Wahine open the 2026 regular season vs. Texas Tech on August 13 as part of the OUTRIGGER Soccer Kickoff.

Read more at .

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa quarterback Micah Alejado has been named to the watch list for the 90th Maxwell Award, presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

The sophomore quarterback, who was also named the Preseason Mountain West Player of the Year, is among a group of 81 players nationwide selected to the 2026 preseason watch list.

Semifinalists for the 90th Maxwell Award will be announced on November 10, with the three finalists unveiled on November 24. The winner will be announced live as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 10, 2026.

Alejado is the fifth UH quarterback all-time to earn a spot on the Maxwell Award watch list, joining Brayden Schager (2024), Cole McDonald (2019), Bryant Moniz (2011) and Colt Brennan (2007).

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� women’s soccer team is heading to Maui for an exhibition match against Seattle University on Sunday, August 9. The contest is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff at King Kekaulike High School in Pukalani.

Admission for the exhibition match is $5 per person. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Lahaina Memorial Project, which is dedicated to creating a memorial honoring the victims of the 2023 fire. The funds will also be directed to the Lahaina fire fund to continue helping with ongoing community recovery efforts.

Following the exhibition match, a free soccer keiki clinic will be held at 5:45 p.m. The clinic is open to boys and girls ages 5 to 14. Student-athletes from both the Rainbow Wahine and Seattle U will be on hand to work directly with the keiki. Waiver forms will need to be signed prior to anyone participating in the clinic activities.

Learn more about the event at .

The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its Team Academic Awards for the 2025–26 academic year with the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� men’s volleyball team, the Rainbow Wahine indoor team, and the Rainbow Wahine beach team each gaining recognition.

It marked a sweep for UH, which was one of just four schools whose women’s, men’s and beach teams all earned recognition from the AVCA.

The Rainbow Warriors returned to the honored list after boasting a 3.39 team GPA during the 2025–26 school year. The academic honor caps off a historic season in which the men’s team captured the 2026 NCAA National Championship in May. The Warriors previously earned AVCA academic honors in 2024, when they were the lone Big West representative on the men’s list and earned the Team Academic Honor Roll distinction.

The Rainbow Wahine Beach Volleyball team continued its sustained excellence by earning the distinction for the sixth straight season. The BeachBows posted a 3.60 team average during the 2025–26 school year, continuing their rich tradition of academic and athletic balance under new head coach Danny Alvarez.

The Rainbow Wahine indoor squad rounded out the sweep, posting a 3.45 GPA. The women’s indoor program has made the AVCA academic list six times in the last eight seasons, carrying strong classroom momentum into a new era under first-year head coach Joshua Walker.

Learn more about the honorees at .

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� athletics has announced the 41st class of the UH Sports Circle of Honor, which includes Monika Eggens (water polo), Rich Miano (football), Barbara (Mitchell) Anderson (swimming), Costas Theocharidis (men’s volleyball) and Ben Yee (contributor).

Eggens becomes the first water polo player to be enshrined in the program’s 29-year history. Miano is the 38th football player to be inducted, while Theocharidis is the sixth honoree from the men’s volleyball program. Yee, entering in the “Contributor” category, is the 11th supporter to be honored. Anderson, who swam for UH in the 1970s, is recognized as this year’s “Legend” category honoree.

Established in 1982, the Circle of Honor recognizes individuals and teams that have contributed to the growth, history and tradition of UH Athletics. Including this year’s honorees, the Circle of Honor now boasts 138 individual and 13 team inductees. Plaques honoring these legends are displayed on the inner walls surrounding the main concourse of Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

The official enshrinement of the Class of 2026 will take place during the Green & White Celebration on Friday, October 16, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. For more information and table sales, visit .

Learn more at .

Just over a year after becoming University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s athletics director, Matt Elliott said the department’s greatest accomplishments aren’t measured only by championships or fundraising records. They are measured by the opportunities created for nearly 500 student-athletes.

Since officially taking the helm on June 30, 2025, Elliott has overseen one of the most successful years in history, while laying the foundation for what he believes is an even stronger future.

“This first year has really reinforced what makes UH Athletics special,” Elliott said. “Our student-athletes inspire us every day with the way they compete, represent our university and serve our community. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see so many people across �鶹��ý rally behind them, and that’s something we want to continue building.”

A record-setting year

The 2025–26 season featured milestones on and off the field. Rainbow Warrior volleyball captured the program’s third NCAA championship in six years, men’s basketball won its first Big West Tournament title in a decade to earn an NCAA Tournament berth, football capped a 9-4 season with a Sheraton �鶹��ý Bowl victory, and UH teams combined for five Big West championships.

Beyond competition, UH Mānoa Athletics recorded a historic fiscal year. Preliminary figures show the department raised a record $13.2 million—more than tripling the previous year’s total and surpassing the department’s previous fundraising record. Community support also reached new heights with more than 7,300 gifts during the fiscal year, while licensing revenue approached $930,000, another department record.

Momentum continued this summer with five �鶹��ý business and community leaders committing $5 million over five years to strengthen name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for UH student-athletes, helping the department recruit and retain talent in an increasingly competitive college athletics landscape.

“Our responsibility is to create an environment where student-athletes can thrive academically, athletically and personally,” Elliott said. “That means investing in the people, resources and opportunities that help them succeed while making sure they have an unforgettable experience representing the University of �鶹��ý.”

Positioning UH Athletics for long-term success

The department also expanded access for fans through several major media initiatives. Last fall, UH eliminated pay-per-view for Rainbow Warrior football broadcasts, making games more accessible statewide, while adding broadcasts in Japan. Beginning this season, a new four-year media rights partnership with �鶹��ý News Now will bring more than 110 home events annually to K5, moving local broadcasts from a subscription-based cable model to free, statewide television distribution. In addition, the new Mountain West’s MW+ streaming platform will carry more than 200 UH events worldwide. Revenue generated through �鶹��ý subscriptions to MW+ will also directly benefit UH Athletics.

Those changes coincide with another significant milestone as UH officially joined the Mountain West as a full member on July 1, positioning most Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine programs in a new conference beginning this season.

Elliott has also reshaped the department’s leadership, hiring new women’s basketball coach Khalilah Mitchell and Rainbow Wahine volleyball head coach Joshua Walker, while adding former women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman to the senior leadership team as associate athletics director for student-athlete success. Contract extensions for football coach Timmy Chang, baseball coach Rich Hill and men’s basketball coach Eran Ganot have also helped provide continuity heading into the new conference era.

Looking ahead, Elliott said enhancing the student-athlete experience, strengthening community partnerships and continuing to grow support for UH Athletics remain his top priorities.

“We’ve made real progress over the past year, but we’re just getting started to navigate a new era of college athletics,” Elliott said. “As we begin this chapter in the Mountain West, we’re focused on creating even more opportunities for our student-athletes and our fans. ‘Our Team, �鶹��ý’s Team’ is more than a slogan. It’s a commitment to bringing our community together and building a program the entire state can be proud of.”

The University of �鶹��ý at Hilo women’s volleyball team will host the UH ����ԴDz� Rainbow Wahine in a preseason exhibition match on August 15, 2 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

The match marks the Rainbow Wahine’s first trip to Hilo since the 1980s and continues a growing connection between the two UH volleyball programs. Last year, the Rainbow Warriors men’s volleyball team traveled to Hilo for an intrasquad scrimmage.

“The last time we played them was in the ’80s, and I think it’s a great connection for us to play a Division I team,” said UH Hilo head coach Reed Sunahara.

Sunahara hopes the exhibition will energize the local volleyball community and continue building support for the Vulcans program.

The Vulcans are coming off a 20-9 season in 2025, finishing tied for third in the Pacific West Conference and qualifying for the PacWest Championships. The Rainbow Wahine enter their first season under head coach Joshua Walker.

The two teams last met in an official match in 1990, with UH ����ԴDz� holding a 24-0 all-time series advantage.

For more information, visit the .

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� women’s golfer Chloe Ku was selected to the All-American Scholar Team announced by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA).

Ku completed her freshman season in 2025–26 and ranked fourth on the team with a 77.25 scoring average, competing in eight tournaments.

Ku is the first Rainbow Wahine to receive WGCA All-American Scholar honors since three were honored in 2022–23.

The criteria for selection to the All-American Scholar Team are some of the most stringent in all of college athletics with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and having played in 50 percent of the team’s competitive rounds.

Learn more at

For 29 high school and transfer counselors, the first University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Summer Counseling Institute was an unforgettable, immersive experience. Held July 12–15, the program invited 27 local counselors and two from Northern California to step into the shoes of a college student and explore the incredible opportunities awaiting future Rainbow Warriors.

Instead of a standard campus tour, participants spent three and a half days diving deeply into the heart of what UH ����ԴDz� has to offer. They toured the world-renowned �鶹��ý Institute of Marine Biology at Moku O Loʻe in Kāneʻohe Bay, went behind the scenes with UH Athletics, and experienced hands-on sample classes. Participants stepped into nursing simulation labs, explored the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center for innovation, and enjoyed a closing dinner at the Waikīkī Aquarium.

Steve Morales, a counselor at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, was blown away by the depth of the research facilities and the university’s strong focus on community building.

“Think of it as a world-class education that you are getting,” Morales said. “It’s a gem and I think students should—no matter what high school they’re at—really look at it. This is a great university to come to.”

Limitless possiblities

The event was intentionally designed to showcase the authentic, vibrant life on campus. Nikki Chun, UH ����ԴDz� vice provost for enrollment management, proposed the institute to highlight the university’s limitless possibilities.

“What amazes me is that there’s so much here, so much richness,” Chun said. “You can spend years here, and there are things you never get to discover.”

Ultimately, the university hopes to inspire more local talent to thrive in �鶹��ý. Malia Kau, a college and career counselor at Radford High School, said the immersive event changed some counseling colleagues’ perceptions.

“I think our local students can look to ����ԴDz� as a place where they can meet all of the needs that they’re looking for in higher education,” Kau said. “They don’t have to go to the mainland… ����ԴDz� has a lot of things that will help them be successful here.”

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� men’s basketball team has earned the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award for the third consecutive year, recognizing the program’s success in the classroom.

The Rainbow Warriors posted a combined 3.20 team GPA during the 2025–26 academic year, surpassing the 3.0 GPA required to receive the annual honor.

A school-record seven student-athletes also earned NABC Honors Court recognition: Dre Bullock, Tanner Cuff, Isaac Finlinson, Isaac Johnson, Isaiah Kerr, Gytis Nemeikša and Harry Rouhliadeff. Kerr led the group with a 3.90 GPA, while Nemeikša and Rouhliadeff received the honor for the second straight year.

The program also earned a perfect single-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) score of 1,000 for the fourth time under head coach Eran Ganot. UH recorded a multi-year APR of 988, exceeding the NCAA postseason benchmark and improving by 16 points from the previous year.

For more information, visit the .

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� announced its 2026 regular-season schedule, marking the start of a new era under first-year head coach Joshua Walker.

The 29-match regular-season schedule features three early season tournaments and a 11-match non-conference slate before beginning the inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference.

The Rainbow Wahine will open the season with the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic, set for August 28 to 30 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. UH will officially open Walker’s tenure as head coach by taking on Georgia Southern, Baylor and San Diego.

The ‘Bows will then host the OUTRIGGER Invitational September 3 to 6 against Utah Tech, Loyola Marymount and UC San Diego.

UH caps its season-opening homestand with a two-match series against Central Arkansas on Sept. 10 and 11. The ‘Bows first road trip will take them to Las Vegas for matches against Texas A&M—Corpus Christi, Iowa State and UCLA.

The Rainbow Wahine’s first Mountain West campaign opens a home series with New Mexico on Sept. 25 and 26.

The final regular-season homestand features a two-match series against Nevada on November 5 and 7, followed by Air Force on November 12 and 13.

Senior Night is scheduled for November 13.

Season ticket sales are now live and may be purchased at or at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center box office.

For more details, visit .

2026 Schedule

Preseason

• August 28, 7 p.m.—Georgia Southern, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• August 29, 7 p.m.—Baylor, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• August 30, 5 p.m.—San Diego, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• September 3, 7 p.m.—Utah Tech, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• September 4, 7 p.m.—Loyola Marymount, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• September 6, 5 p.m.—UC San Diego, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• September 10, 7 p.m.—Central Arkansas, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• September 11, 7 p.m.—Central Arkansas, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• September 18, 3:30 p.m.—Texas A&M—Corpus Christi, at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
• September 19, 1:30 p.m.—Iowa State, at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
• September 20, 11:30 a.m.—UCLA, at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

Mountain West season

• September 25, 7 p.m.—New Mexico, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• September 26, 7 p.m.—New Mexico, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• October 2, 3 p.m.—Grand Canyon, at Phoenix, Arizona
• October 3, 3 p.m.—Grand Canyon, at Phoenix, Arizona
• October 9, 7 p.m.—San José State, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• October 10, 7 p.m.—San José State, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• October 16, 2:30 p.m.—Wyoming, at Laramie, Wyoming
• October 17, 2:30 p.m.—Wyoming, at Laramie, Wyoming
• October 23, 7 p.m.—UNLV, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• October 24, 7 p.m.—UNLV, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• October 30, 3 p.m.—UC Davis, at Davis, California
• October 31, 3 p.m.—UC Davis, at Davis, California
• November 5, 7 p.m.—Nevada, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• November 7, 7 p.m.—Nevada, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• November 12, 7 p.m.—Air Force, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• November 13, 7 p.m.—Air Force, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
• November 18, 3 p.m.—UTEP, at El Paso, Texas
• November 19, 3 p.m.—UTEP, at El Paso, Texas
• November 24–25, TBA—Mountain West Women’s Volleyball Championship, at Las Vegas, Nevada

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided an update to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on recent leadership transitions in her report at the July 16 monthly meeting.

The updates included changes at �鶹��ý Community College, UH Mānoa and the VP of Academic Strategy. Hensel discussed next steps for the University Laboratory School partnership, the interim adoption of the Time, Place and Manner policy, and the modernization of student housing, and highlighted several bright spots across the UH campuses, including the demolition of Hale Noelani to make way for modern student housing, massive research milestones at the UH Cancer Center, and a $5-million investment in UH Athletics.

She also recognized UH recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service, including the Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Team of the Year.

• �鶹��ý CC chancellor transition ()
• UH Mānoa leadership and VP of Academic Strategy updates ()
• University Lab School agreement ()
• Time, Place and Manner policy update ()
• Hale Noelani demolition ()
• Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center and NIH funding ()
• NIL funding commitments for UH Athletics ()
• Governor’s Awards ()

The Mountain West Conference announced its 2026 preseason all-conference football team, with four University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� student-athletes earning recognition.

Quarterback Micah Alejado, wide receiver Pofele Ashlock, defensive back Elijah Palmer and linebacker Jamih Otis were all named to the preseason All-Mountain West team. Additionally, Alejado took home the league’s top individual honor as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

Alejado, the 2025 Mountain West Freshman of the Year, completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,106 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding 105 rushing yards and one touchdown in his first season as a starter. He closed the year by throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns in �鶹��ý’s 35-31 Sheraton �鶹��ý Bowl win.

Ashlock remained one of the Mountain West’s top receivers in 2025, recording 76 catches for 827 yards and eight touchdowns. Over three seasons, he has totaled 220 receptions for 2,288 yards and 23 touchdowns as the leader of UH‘s Run-and-Shoot offense.

Palmer has earned All-Mountain West honorable mention in each of the past two seasons. He recorded 10 pass breakups as a junior and has 121 career tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and five interceptions.

Otis finished second on the team with 60 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2025. A two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week, he started 11 straight games last season before missing the final two contests, ending a streak of 36 consecutive appearances to begin his career.

The Warriors open the 2026 season on August 29 at Stanford and play their home opener at Clarence T.C. Ching Complex on September 5 vs. UNLV.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� women’s tennis team was named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Team for the 11th consecutive season. In addition, four Rainbow Wahine earned ITA Scholar-Athlete honors: Allaire Berl, Emma Forgac, Makeilah Nepomuceno and Sophie Rachor.

The men’s tennis team also earned ITA All-Academic honors. Five Rainbow Warriors earned ITA All-Academic awards: Adriano Dzhenev, Timothy Li, Toa Maeda, Kent Mueller and Hikaru Takahashi.

To be named an ITA Scholar-Athlete one must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year, and be listed on the institutional eligibility form.

To be named an ITA All-Academic Team, programs must meet the following requirements: have a team grade point average of 3.2 or above, all student-athletes included should be listed on the institutional eligibility form, and all varsity letter winners should be factored into the cumulative team GPA for the current academic year.

Read more about women’s tennis at , and men’s tennis at .