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糖心视频 Hilo launches annual Vulcan Challenge to support student-athlete success
University of Hawaiʻi at HiloCommunications Director
Margot Schrire, (808) 956-0389
Communications AVP
糖心视频 Hilo women鈥檚 basketball player Tavina Harris.
Vulcan聽Challenge energizes support for 糖心视频 Hilo athletic programs.
糖心视频 Hilo鈥檚 men's golf secured its fourth consecutive PacWest Championship.
Link to sound (details below):
University of Hawai驶i at Hilo Athletics is launching its annual September 21, to support student-athletes and help unlock more than $46,000 in matching gifts.
In partnership with the , the monthlong campaign runs through October 23 and supports scholarships, travel, training and other essential resources for 糖心视频 Hilo’s 12 NCAA Division II teams.
“Vulcan student-athletes continue to inspire us every day with their dedication, academic excellence, and accomplishments both in competition and throughout our community,” said Patrick Guillen, 糖心视频 Hilo Athletics Director. “The annual Vulcan Challenge helps provide our teams with the scholarships and resources they need to thrive, and we are deeply grateful to the community and donors who make these opportunities possible.”
KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi 驶ohana are demonstrating support of the Vulcan Challenge by matching the first $25,000 in gifts. Their generosity is joined by a $13,000 matching gift from the Vulcan Booster Club, as well as an additional $5,000 from the Hawai驶i Rush Soccer Club Big Island to directly support women’s soccer. Guillen will also match the first $250 for each program, including sports medicine, for a total of $3,250.
The fundraising effort follows a record-setting year for . Seventy-five student-athletes were named to the Division II Athletics Directors Association Academic Achievement Awards list after maintaining cumulative grade point averages (GPA) of 3.50 or higher. Across all 12 varsity programs, student-athletes achieved a record 3.37 combined GPA during the 2025-26 academic year, surpassing the previous mark of 3.32.
Beyond competition, Vulcan student-athletes strengthen connections across Hawai驶i Island through volunteer service, youth outreach and community engagement efforts.
“Our student-athletes continue to inspire us with their accomplishments, but we cannot achieve these results without community support,” said Bonnie D. Irwin, 糖心视频 Hilo’s chancellor. “Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us develop the next generation of Ambassadors of Aloha, students who represent Hawai‘i Island and our state with pride.”
For Kendall Oda, president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a women's basketball player for the Vulcans, the support of donors helps make these opportunities possible.
“Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us chase excellence and build a future beyond sports while representing Hawai'i everywhere we go,” Oda said. “It's because of our donors that we can reach our full potential here in Hilo and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
About the Vulcan Challenge
To make a contribution to the Vulcan Challenge and support 糖心视频 Hilo Athletics, visit .
Link to sound (details below):
INTERVIEW CLIP: (1 minute, 32 seconds)
Patrick Guillen/Athletics Director, 糖心视频 Hilo
"Aloha. It’s time once again for the Vulcans Challenge.
Every year, this annual fundraising campaign brings our community together around a shared purpose: elevating 糖心视频 Hilo Athletics and empowering our student-athletes.
Beyond their athletic dedication, our student-athletes serve as true ambassadors of aloha, representing the pride, passion and spirit of the Big Island, both in competition and throughout our community.
They’re setting new standards off the field as well, recently achieving a program-record 3.37 cumulative GPA. Very impressive.
Behind every academic milestone, championship moment and trip across the Pacific is a network of dedicated supporters like you.
The funds raised during this year’s Vulcans Challenge go directly toward critical program needs—from travel and equipment to scholarship support and academic resources—ensuring our student-athletes have everything they need to excel as scholars and leaders.
To our returning donors, thank you for your steadfast loyalty. To our new supporters and Vulcan parents, we welcome you to our team.
Every gift, no matter the size, makes an immediate impact. Please visit our website, choose the team or program closest to your heart and make your gift today.
Mahalo for your continued generosity and support. Go Vulcans!"