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Last chance to support ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo student-athletes

Tavina Harris dribbles around a Gannon University defender.

Vulcan Challenge energizes support for ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo athletic programs.

Hawai'i Hilo Men's Golf team secured its fourth consecutive PacWest Championship this year.

Time is running out to support University of HawaiÊ»i at Hilo student-athletes through the annual , which wraps up Friday, October 23. The monthlong fundraising campaign, in partnership with the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Foundation, aims to unlock more than $46,000 in matching gifts to support scholarships, travel, training and other essential resources for ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ 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, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ 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 Ê»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 HawaiÊ»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 Hawaiʻi 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, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ 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 ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo Athletics, visit .