The and the entire Rainbow Warrior family mourn the passing of legendary former head football coach June Jones. Jones died October 29 in Oregon at the age of 73.

One of the most towering figures in 糖心视频 and Hawaiʻi sports history, Jones revitalized the 糖心视频 football program, leading the Rainbow Warriors to unprecedented heights while impacting the lives of countless players.

Jones鈥� deep connection to the islands began long before his historic coaching tenure. He first arrived at 糖心视频 Mānoa in 1973, transferring from Oregon to play quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors. Decades later, he returned to his alma mater. Taking over as head coach in 1999, Jones inherited a team that had gone 0-12 the previous year. In his very first season, he orchestrated the greatest single-season turnaround in NCAA football history at the time, leading the Rainbow Warriors to a 9-4 record and an Oʻahu Bowl victory.

Over nine seasons at 糖心视频 Mānoa, Jones became the winningest head football coach in 糖心视频 history, compiling a 76-41 record. His mastery of the run-and-shoot offense electrified Aloha Stadium, turning it into one of the most celebrated environments in college football.

The pinnacle of his tenure came in 2007, when he guided 糖心视频 to an undefeated 12-0 regular season, an outright Western Athletic Conference championship, and a historic appearance in the Sugar Bowl. In all, Jones led 糖心视频 to six bowl appearances, going 4-2 in postseason contests, and two conference titles (1999, 2007).

Jones mentored some of the most prolific players in college football history, including quarterback Timmy Chang, who became the NCAA鈥檚 all-time leading passer before following Jones鈥� footsteps as Rainbow Warrior head coach in 2022. Fellow quarterback Colt Brennan earned iconic status setting multiple school and NCAA records during a decorated career that saw him become the school鈥檚 first and only Heisman Trophy finalist in 2007.

Jones, Brennan and the 2007 糖心视频 football squad have all been inducted into the 糖心视频 Circle of Honor.

Information regarding memorial services and ways to honor Jones鈥� legacy will be announced in the coming days.

Statement on behalf of 糖心视频 Athletics

“The University of Hawaiʻi Athletics ʻohana is deeply saddened by the passing of former head football coach June Jones. Coach Jones was a true visionary who elevated the Rainbow Warrior football program to unprecedented heights while serving as an incredible ambassador for the university.

Upon arriving in Mānoa in 1999, Coach Jones didn’t just rebuild a program; he restored the community’s pride in Rainbow Warrior football. From orchestrating the greatest single-season turnaround in NCAA history to leading 糖心视频 to an undefeated regular season and a Sugar Bowl appearance in 2007, his tenure will be forever remembered for the joy the Warriors provided for countless fans throughout the state of Hawaiʻi and beyond.

The current coaching staff’s inclusion of several former 糖心视频 players, including head coach Timmy Chang, speaks to Coach Jones’ fierce belief in Hawaiʻi‘s talent and potential. His legacy is forever woven into the fabric of our university and 糖心视频 Athletics.

The 糖心视频 ʻohana extends its heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and aloha to Coach Jones’ family, friends, and the numerous student-athletes whose lives he forever changed.”

Timmy Chang, 糖心视频 football head coach and former Rainbow Warrior quarterback

“Words can’t express the sorrow I feel today. Coach Jones was a father figure, a mentor, and a visionary who revolutionized the game. He believed in a young kid from Hawaiʻi and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to run his offense. And his impact didn’t stop when my playing days ended. He guided me every step of the way as I transitioned into coaching, always making time to share his wisdom and support me when I took over this program. He put Hawaiʻi football on the map and showed us all what was possible. We lost a true legend today, but I will spend the rest of my career trying to honor his legacy, his passion for this university, and the Aloha he shared with everyone he touched. My deepest condolences go out to his ʻohana and all those who he impacted.”

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green

“June was an exceptional human being. He was a motivator of young people and he was a winner. He won big moments for us, and that put us into the spotlight. June has put his arms around a lot of people in the state of Hawaiʻi; a lot of players, a lot of businesses, and he was very kind to me over the years, reaching out and giving advice to people in different disciplines. He is one of Hawaiʻi‘s legends.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi (former 糖心视频 player and coach)

“The 2007 season and making the Sugar Bowl, that went over what anybody ever thought was possible. That just shows you what is possible when someone can achieve that. I was on the field for the game (against) the University of Washington. We were down 21 points, not once but twice, and still came back to win against a very formidable opponent. That kind of coaching and who he was was very, very special. He leaves an incredible legacy here. June was very special, we will miss him, but his legacy will live on.”

The generated an estimated $752.9 million in economic activity in Hawaiʻi between fiscal years 2023 and 2026, an average of $188.2 million annually, according to a new study highlighting the contributions of Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine athletics to the state鈥檚 economy.

The study, conducted by Collegiate Consulting and funded by private donors, examined the economic impact of 糖心视频 Mānoa athletics, including spending associated with sporting events, visiting fans and teams, student-athletes, employees, athletic facilities and revenue generated by the program.

The analysis also estimated that athletics-related economic activity supported approximately 1,242 jobs in Hawaiʻi in fiscal year 2025 and generated substantial national and local media exposure for Hawaiʻi.

“The 糖心视频 athletics program is a source of tremendous pride for our state, bringing our communities together while making a meaningful contribution to our economy,” said Governor Josh Green. “When our 糖心视频 teams compete, the benefits extend well beyond the playing field. They support local businesses, attract visitors and showcase Hawaiʻi to audiences across the country. This study demonstrates the important role 糖心视频 athletics plays in our economy and our community.”

Sources of economic impact

The study identified four major areas of economic activity:

• $351.3 million from athletic events and other activities: Spending associated with athletic competitions, camps, visiting teams and fans, as well as non-athletic events at 糖心视频 athletic facilities.
• $184.9 million from athletics employees and student-athletes: Economic activity associated with salaries, personal spending and other contributions to the local economy.
• $146.4 million from athletic revenue: The broader economic impact associated with revenue from sources such as sponsorships, media rights, conference distributions and private contributions.
• $70.3 million from athletic facility construction: Economic activity generated by construction and improvement projects in 2023, 2025 and 2026.

The figures include both direct spending and additional economic activity generated as money circulates through the local economy. For example, fans attending 糖心视频 games spend money at restaurants, stores and other businesses, which in turn purchase supplies and pay employees.

The $752.9 million represents estimated economic activity associated with 糖心视频 athletics, not university revenue or profit.

“This report puts real numbers behind something we鈥檝e always known: 糖心视频 athletics is about much more than wins and losses,” said 糖心视频 Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “Every game brings people together, supports local businesses and creates opportunities for our student-athletes. Our teams also represent Hawaiʻi on a national stage, generating exposure that would be extraordinarily difficult to replicate. These findings demonstrate the value of our athletics program to the university, our community and the entire state.”

National media exposure for Hawaiʻi

Beyond its economic contributions, 糖心视频 Mānoa athletics provides extensive visibility for the university and the state through national and local television broadcasts, streaming, radio, online news and social media.

Collegiate Consulting estimated the advertising-equivalent value of that exposure at $1.73 billion during the study period, including $775.5 million from local and national television broadcasts. The estimates are based on advertising rates and audience figures to assign a dollar value to media exposure.

Unlike paid advertising, the university does not control the content or messaging of the coverage, and the estimates do not represent actual revenue, advertising savings or a direct financial benefit to 糖心视频. Although difficult to quantify, this increased exposure raises awareness of 糖心视频 Mānoa and Hawaiʻi among national audiences, potentially contributing to student recruitment, tourism and other opportunities.

“糖心视频 Mānoa athletics is one of the most visible and powerful connections between the University of Hawaiʻi and the people we serve,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “Our student-athletes represent Hawaiʻi with pride, and their achievements introduce audiences across the country to our university and our state. This study demonstrates that athletics contributes to our broader mission by strengthening our connection to the community, supporting economic activity and elevating the university’s national profile.”

Athletics investment and student opportunities

糖心视频 Mānoa athletics operates with an annual budget of approximately $66 million, supported through a combination of athletics-generated revenue, private contributions, university funding, student fees and other sources. The study examines the program鈥檚 broader economic contributions to Hawaiʻi, rather than its financial profitability or return on investment.

As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 only NCAA Division I athletics program, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 provides educational opportunities for about 500 student-athletes competing on 21 teams, representing the university and state in competitions across the country.

About the study

糖心视频 Mānoa retained Collegiate Consulting in February 2026 to conduct the economic impact and media exposure analysis. The firm analyzed institutional financial and attendance data, estimated spending by fans and visitors, and applied established economic models to calculate the additional activity generated throughout the economy.

Founded in 2005, Collegiate Consulting has worked with more than 750 universities, colleges, conferences and associations nationwide, including conducting economic impact studies for other NCAA Division I athletics programs.

Five members of the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 swimming and diving teams earned Mountain West weekly conference honors after strong performances in two dual meets against Grand Canyon (GCU), October 23 and 24.

Victor Dagenais was named Mountain West Men’s Swimmer of the Week, while Juan Esteban Ramirez Tamayo and Lovisa Gustavsson were voted Men’s and Women’s Mountain West Divers of the Week respectively. Rookies Kristians Bren膷s and Annie Nicholson-Jodoin garnered Mountain West鈥檚 Freshmen of the Week awards.

Dagenais fueled the Rainbow Warriors’ sweep of Grand Canyon, accounting for 22 individual points across the two dual meets and vaulting to the top of the Mountain West in multiple events. Dagenais claimed individual victories in the 200 freestyle (1:36.67) and the 200 butterfly (1:47.33), with both marks leading the conference standings.

Ramirez Tamayo and Gustavsson secured NCAA Zone qualifying marks. Ramirez Tamayo swept both springboard events in 糖心视频‘s dual meets against GCU, while Gustavsson scored across all three diving events during 糖心视频‘s home stand.

Bren膷s delivered a record-setting weekend to help the Rainbow Warriors complete a two-meet sweep of Grand Canyon, scoring 19 individual points and contributing to three relay victories. He made program history by capturing first place in the 100 Individual Medley with a time of 48.97鈥攁 school-record mark that currently tops the Mountain West Conference leaderboard.

Nicholson-Jodoin racked up 11 individual points and took first place in the 500 freestyle with a winning time of 4:54.754 and placed fourth in the 200 individual medley at 2:11.51.

Read more at .

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 goalkeeper Kennedy Justin has been named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week, the conference announced October 26.

Justin earned her second straight weekly conference accolade after posting her third consecutive clean sheet in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s 1-0 victory over Grand Canyon, October 24. She led a dominant Rainbow Wahine back line that held the Lopes to just seven total shots and a single shot on target over 90 minutes of action.

Across her last 11 starts, Justin has conceded a mere three goals while anchoring the Bows’ current six-match winning streak. The milestone night also brought the junior to the brink of program history. Justin now has 15 career shutouts, putting her just one clean sheet away from matching 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 all-time career record for goalkeeper shutouts.

Justin and the Rainbow Wahine will look to extend their winning streak when they host UNLV on October 26, at 3 p.m. at the 糖心视频 Lower Campus Field.

Read more at .

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Athletics Department has announced a new partnership with Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., designating the law firm as the official jersey patch sponsor for the Rainbow Wahine basketball program.

Shaheen & Gordon is the third company to enter into a jersey patch agreement with 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Athletics, making women’s basketball the fourth sport at the university to secure such a deal.

“We are proud to bring Shaheen & Gordon into the 糖心视频 Athletics family,” said 糖心视频 Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “Their strong commitment to the local community and their dedication to supporting student-athletes align perfectly with our department’s values. This partnership is another incredible step forward in the growing momentum and support surrounding Rainbow Wahine basketball and our new head coach Khalilah Mitchell.”

Founded in New Hampshire in 1981, Shaheen & Gordon opened its first office in Honolulu in 2025, driven by Partner Anthony Carr and joined by Attorney Clarisse Kobashigawa.

The firm’s tagline, “it’s different here,” reflects its mission to positively impact clients, employees, and the local community.

“We’re excited to partner with schools like 糖心视频 not just to support the amazing student-athletes chasing their dreams, but because these institutions are such an important part of our communities—bringing people together and giving them something to celebrate,” Carr said.

Read more at.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 sophomore quarterback Micah Alejado was selected as the Old Trapper Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week after helping lead the Rainbow Warriors (2-6, 1-4 Mountain West) to their first conference win of the season in a 56-21 road win at Northern Illinois. It is the first time Alejado has earned the weekly honor this season and the third time in his career.

Led by Alejado, the Rainbow Warrior offense achieved its highest point total in eight seasons. 糖心视频 tallied season-highs in both points (56) and total offense (504). The 56-point outburst also tied the all-time program record for the most points scored in a Mountain West game, matching the 56 points 糖心视频 previously scored in an overtime loss to Wyoming in 2013.

Alejado threw for 323 yards on 22-of-32 passing and three touchdowns. The outing marked his third 300-yard passing game of the season and the eighth of his career. The quarterback completed four pass plays of 40 or more yards.

With his performance, Alejado continues to climb the program’s record books. He moved into eighth place all-time at 糖心视频 in career passing yards with 5,876 yards.

Alejado and the Rainbow Warriors will enjoy a bye this weekend before returning to the road for a contest at UTEP on November 7.

Read more at .

The (2-6 overall, 1-4 Mountain West) displayed total dominance on both sides of the ball in a 56-21 rout at Northern Illinois (0-7 overall, 0-3 Mountain West), October 24, to snap a four-game losing streak.

In the furthest conference game in FBS history, 糖心视频 Mānoa travelled more than 4,200 miles for a historic Mountain West (MW) victory, tying the program record for most points in a MW game in its second-largest MW road victory ever.

糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 offensive prowess was on full display from the opening whistle. The Rainbow Warriors racked up a season-high 504 yards of total offense and the 56 points was their highest scoring output under Head Coach Timmy Chang.

糖心视频 Mānoa stormed out scoring 35 first half points, which surpassed the team’s highest point total all season. A major key to this success was the team’s ability to strike downfield quickly. The offense was fueled by explosive plays, racking up five chunk plays of 30 or more yards.

Quarterback Micah Alejado had a stellar performance, connecting on four pass plays of 40+ yards, finishing with 323 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Among those downfield strikes was a 62-yard catch-and-run by running back Cam Barfield, marking 糖心视频‘s longest play from scrimmage this year. Receiver Audric Harris also hauled in two passes of over 40 yards, while Josiah Fetui scored his first career touchdown on a 44-yard bomb.

糖心视频‘s rushing game was a highlight in its own right. The Rainbow Warriors amassed 175 yards on the ground and punched in five rushing touchdowns, their most in a single game since 2020. Running back DeVon Rice led all rushers with 71 yards and three touchdowns. His 33-yard scoring sprint in the second quarter was 糖心视频鈥檚 longest rushing play of the season so far.

On the other side of the ball, the Rainbow Warrior defense stifled the Huskies, holding them to just 266 total yards and forcing five turnovers. Defensive back Jeremiah Hughes grabbed his third interception in the last two games and nickelback Elijah Palmer recorded a career-high eight tackles to lead the defense.

The Rainbow Warriors will have a bye week before a road game at UTEP, November 7 in El Paso, Texas.

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legend and 11-year Major League Baseball veteran Kolten Wong has been named special advisor to .

In this role, Wong will serve as a trusted advisor, ambassador and resource for both the athletics department and the Rainbow Warrior baseball program. He will work directly with Athletics Director Matt Elliott and the department’s senior leadership team on special projects, while also serving as a key asset for baseball head coach Rich Hill’s program in the areas of recruiting, player development and community outreach.

“Kolten Wong embodies everything that makes Hawaiʻi Athletics special,” Elliott said. “Few individuals understand the privilege and responsibility of wearing Hawaiʻi across their chest like Kolten does. His big-league pedigree, character and genuine love for this community will make an immediate impact on our student-athletes as they strive for excellence both on and off the field.”

Wong’s appointment brings one of the most decorated figures in Hawaiʻi sports history back to 糖心视频 Mānoa. A member of the 糖心视频 Sports Circle of Honor Class of 2025, Wong’s extensive experience at the highest level of professional baseball will provide invaluable guidance for current student-athletes, prospective recruits and administrative leadership.

“I鈥檓 excited for the opportunity to give back to the University of Hawaiʻi and a baseball program that means so much to me,” Wong said. “I want to use the knowledge, experience and relationships I鈥檝e built throughout my career to help our players develop, both on and off the field.”

All-American, 1st-round draft pick

During his collegiate career with the Rainbow Warriors from 2009 to 2011, Wong established himself as one of the greatest players in program history. The Hilo native was a first-team All-American in 2011 and a Freshman All-American in 2009, earning three consecutive all-conference and all-region honors while guiding 糖心视频 Mānoa to back-to-back Western Athletic Conference titles in 2010 and 2011.

Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Wong went on to an outstanding 11-year Major League career with the Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers.

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is leading the Mountain West Conference in streaming subscriptions and ranks No. 1 in the conference for women’s volleyball and women’s soccer viewership on MW+, the league’s streaming platform.

In its first season as a full member of the Mountain West, 糖心视频 has emerged as the conference’s strongest-performing institution for both annual and monthly MW+ subscriptions, according to the conference. 糖心视频 football ranks second in viewership among league programs.

Specific viewership figures are not publicly released, but the Mountain West confirmed that 糖心视频 has generated strong fan engagement across its fall sports.

“MW+ was created to bring our fans closer to the programs and student-athletes they care about, and the engagement around Hawaiʻi is a great example of that vision coming to life,” said Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez. “We’re encouraged by the response and excited about the opportunity MW+ gives our campuses and student-athletes to grow their audiences, share their stories and build their brands on a platform they can call their own.”

MW+ gives fans worldwide another way to stay connected to 糖心视频 Athletics through original programming and live and on-demand events. Every subscription supports Hawaiʻi Athletics, with the majority of subscription revenue attributed to Hawaiʻi returning directly to 糖心视频.

“Our fans continue to show up for the Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine, and it’s affirming to see that passion reflected in the strong engagement 糖心视频 is generating on MW+,” said 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “Leading the conference in subscriptions and women’s volleyball and soccer viewership speaks to the pride our community has in our student-athletes and programs. MW+ gives fans near and far another way to stay connected while directly supporting 糖心视频 Athletics.”

In addition, 糖心视频‘s broadcast partnership with Hawaii News Now brings at least 110 home sporting events per year to free, statewide television on K5. The four-year agreement, which began July 1, expands access to Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine games without requiring a paid cable or pay-per-view subscription.

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University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo women’s volleyball senior LC Nakagawa was named the Pacific West Conference Defender of the Week after totaling 32 digs in sweeps of Westmont and Hawaiʻi Pacific (HPU), October 12 and 16.

Nakagawa kept balls in play over and over. The Oʻahu native had 11 digs in three sets against Westmont and added 21 more in the win over HPU.

The 21 digs is her second highest total of the year, and she has had double-figure totals in 21 of her 22 matches this fall. This is the second all-time Defender of the Week award for Nakagawa, who was also honored in 2025.

The Vulcans (17–5, 9–2 Pac West) head on the road to California for a trio of matches, beginning with Westmont on October 20.

Read more at .

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Sports Circle of Honor welcomed its 41st class of inductees and honored a longtime member of the training staff during the Green and White Celebration on October 16 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

The sold-out event presented by ʻAhahui Koa Anuenue returned to the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 campus as part of Homecoming festivities and was highlighted by the official enshrinement of the five-member 2026 Circle of Honor class.

• Monika Eggens, a three-time Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches All-American, Big West Player of the Year, Olympian and 糖心视频‘s all-time leading goal scorer, became the 糖心视频 water polo program’s first Circle of Honor inductee.
• Rich Miano was honored for a multifaceted connection with the 糖心视频 football program, progressing from a walk-on defensive back to an All-American and 11-year NFL veteran. He later served as an assistant coach and television analyst.
• Barbara (Mitchell) Anderson was inducted in the Legends category as 糖心视频‘s first swimming national champion and 1972 U.S. Olympian.
• Costas Theocharidis, a two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Year and four-time first-team All-American, joined as one of the men’s volleyball program’s most decorated student-athletes.
• Ben Yee, who dedicated more than four decades of service to 糖心视频 football joined in the Contributor category as co-founder of the N膩 Koa football booster club.

The 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Athletics Department also honored former trainer Eric Okasaki as the recipient of the Spirit of the Rainbow Award. The award recognizes staff members who demonstrated exceptional service over careers spanning at least 25 years.

The Circle of Honor inductees were recognized during the Homecoming football game versus New Mexico on October 17, at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. Permanent plaques honoring the inductees are displayed along the main concourse of Bankoh Arena.

Read more at .

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 junior goalkeeper Kennedy Justin earned Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors on October 19.

Justin earned the weekly honor after powering the Rainbow Wahine to back-to-back shutout victories over San Jos茅 State and UC Davis. Across both matches, she stopped all nine shots on target she faced.

Justin stood out as the only goalkeeper in the Mountain West to post two clean sheets during the week. Her dominant play helped extend the Rainbow Wahine’s winning streak to five matches and solidified 糖心视频‘s hold on second place in the conference standings.

Justin currently ranks second in the Mountain West with seven shutouts on the season. She now ranks second all-time in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 program history with 14 career shutouts, placing her just two clean sheets shy of the school record. Additionally, the win over UC Davis on October 18 was the 22nd victory of her collegiate career, moving her into sole possession of third place in program history for goalkeeper wins.

Justin and the Rainbow Wahine soccer team return to the 糖心视频 Lower Campus Field to open a three-match conference homestand October 24 against Grand Canyon at 3 p.m.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 middle blocker Miliana Sylvester earned her first Old Trapper Mountain West Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week award on October 19 in recognition of her play in 糖心视频‘s series sweep at Wyoming.

Sylvester delivered one of the nation’s top blocking performances this season during the series opener and helped the Rainbow Wahine (16-3) remain undefeated in conference play at 8-0. Over the course of the two-match series, Sylvester recorded 22 total blocks, including nine solo, averaging 2.44 blocks per set.

In 糖心视频鈥檚 five-set victory at Wyoming, Sylvester secured her first career double-double with 11 kills and a career-high 13 blocks, the highest in the Mountain West this season. It also marked 糖心视频‘s highest block total in a match since September 2011. Sylvester’s performance contributed to 糖心视频‘s 21.5 total blocks in the match, the program’s highest total since 2010 and the fourth highest in the nation in a five-set match this season.

Sylvester followed up her historic night by adding nine blocks, including four solo, in 糖心视频‘s four-set win during the rematch. Sylvester raised her season average to 1.31 blocks per set, leading the conference and ranking 45th nationally.

Sylvester also contributed offensively with 20 kills on .310 hitting in the series, averaging 2.22 kills per set.

The Mountain West leading Rainbow Wahine return home for a two-match conference series with UNLV on October 23 and 24 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

Read more at .

Banana Ball is officially making its debut in the islands in 2027, with the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补’s Les Murakami Stadium hosting a pair of games, April 30 and May 1.

Following the live selection show broadcast on ESPN2, Honolulu was officially revealed as a host city for the 2027 tour with the Party Animals and Loco Beach Coconuts playing a two-game series at the iconic Les Murakami Stadium. Fans will have the opportunity to witness the fast-paced, entertainment-first style of baseball that has exploded in popularity, regularly selling out major football stadiums across the nation.

“We are incredibly excited to bring the unique, high-energy experience of Banana Ball to Les Murakami Stadium,” 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Athletics Director Matt Elliott said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to witness this wildly popular event right here in Hawaiʻi and showcase our iconic ballpark. Welcoming premier entertainment of this caliber directly reflects the ongoing standard of excellence we strive to cultivate here in 惭腻苍辞补.”

The series will feature a couple of local connections, headlined by Coconuts coach Shane Victorino. A Maui native and two-time World Series champion, Victorino returns to Hawaiʻi to lead the squad. In addition, former Rainbow Warrior pitcher Andy Archer is a member of the Coconuts, marking an exciting homecoming to Les Murakami Stadium for the former 糖心视频 standout who suited up for the ‘Bows in 2022.

. The Lottery List opened immediately following the selection show and will remain open until October 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Joining the Lottery List is the best way to secure a chance to purchase tickets and helps build excitement for the city’s upcoming games.

Kaupapa Inc., a Maui-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to Native Hawaiian sustainability, community resilience, and sports and regenerative tourism partnerships, helped bring Banana Ball to the islands, working closely with the appropriate State of Hawaiʻi agencies and in partnership with 糖心视频.

For the entire story and more information about tickets, visit the .

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo鈥檚 Jaylen Wan and Kailee McKee both set the new single-round program record by carding rounds of three-under to help the Vulcans team finish runner-up at the Westmont Invitational at Sandpiper Golf Club in Goleta, California.

Wan led the Vulcans with a runner-up individual finish at -3 on rounds of 70 and 73, with nine total birdies over the two rounds.Her 36-hole score of -3 also set a new program record—breaking the previous mark of even par.

McKee climbed 11 spots from 14th to finish tied for No. 3 (+1) on rounds of 77 (+4) and 70 (-3). McKee made four birdies in round 2 to also set the program’s new single-round score of three-under.

Read more at .

The has announced a $1.5-million gift from the to establish the Kuʻupau Endowment, creating a permanent funding stream for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) initiatives at 糖心视频 Mānoa.

The historic gift comes at a timely moment as builds momentum on its annual Giving Week (October 9–19) campaign. Named in honor of the Hawaiian concept kuʻupau—meaning to exert all effort, give everything or “go all in”—the endowment builds on the Kānaka Foundation鈥檚 previous $1-million gift for STEM students and ensures student-athletes receive long-term NIL support and competitive resources.

The Kānaka Foundation expressed its excitement about creating opportunities for student-athletes while preserving and honoring cultural roots. Through the Kuʻupau Endowment, the Foundation envisions a lasting impact that extends across generations, encouraging student-athletes to go all in as they pursue bright futures.

A lasting investment in student-athletes

糖心视频 Foundation leadership praised the Kānaka Foundation鈥檚 forward-thinking vision, emphasizing the strategic role of endowed NIL support in modern college sports.

“In today鈥檚 rapidly evolving athletics landscape, permanent endowed support for NIL is a true game-changer,” 糖心视频 Vice President of Advancement and 糖心视频 Foundation CEO Tim Dolan said. “This gift represents a powerful vote of confidence in 糖心视频 Athletics, giving our student-athletes the tools they need to succeed both in competition and in the classroom.”

糖心视频 Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott added that the endowment strengthens the department’s long-term vision as the program enters a new era as a full member of the Mountain West Conference.

Building a sustainable future for NIL

As NIL compensation has become an increasingly important part of Division I college athletics, 糖心视频 Mānoa is working to build a sustainable funding model to attract and retain student-athletes and remain competitive in the Mountain West Conference and nationally.

University leaders estimate that 糖心视频 Mānoa needs approximately $5 million annually in NIL support to remain competitive. The Kuʻupau Endowment represents a significant step toward that goal, providing a permanent source of funding to support student-athletes for generations to come.

The Kānaka Foundation is now the 11th member of the Shoji Society, a leadership giving society named in honor of legendary 糖心视频 women’s volleyball coach Dave Shoji that recognizes individuals and organizations making significant philanthropic commitments to 糖心视频 Athletics.

The need for sustained investment comes as 糖心视频 Athletics continues to build momentum, highlighted by recent championships and postseason success in the 2025–26 academic year. Nearly 500 student-athletes compete in 糖心视频 Mānoa programs, with more than 170 degrees earned by student-athletes last year.

“I believe we are only scratching the surface of what 糖心视频 Athletics will become,” Elliott said. “If we build this foundation the right way—with support from both the public and private sectors—we can retain local student-athletes, compete at a high level and continue creating opportunities for student-athletes who want to stay home, earn their degrees and represent Hawaiʻi with excellence.”

guard Bailey Flavell was named to the 2026鈥�27 Preseason All-Mountain West Women’s Basketball Team.

Flavell was voted to the 10-player preseason team and led the ‘Bows in scoring last season with 12.6 points per game. She earned Big West Freshman of the Year and second-team All-Big West honors. Her total of 415 points surpassed the program’s previous freshman scoring record set by Judy Mosley in 1987, and she became just the fifth freshman in program history and the first since the 2010–11 season to lead the ‘Bows in scoring.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 will make its debut in an exhibition game against Hawaiʻi Pacific on October 21 and officially open the 2026–27 season at Oregon on November 2. The ‘Bows will face Saint Mary’s in their home opener on November 13 and embark on the Mountain West season at home against Nevada on December 30.

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University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 cross country runner Atarah Robinson was named Mountain West Freshman of the Week for the third time this season, earning the honor after each of her first three collegiate meets.

Robinson is the first Mountain West student-athlete since 2021 to earn Freshman of the Week recognition three times in a single season.

The freshman led the Rainbow Wahine at the Charles Bowles Invitational, finishing sixth overall. Her performance ranks as the eighth-fastest 5K time in program history and helped 糖心视频 capture first place with 65 points.

The victory marked 糖心视频鈥檚 second team title of the season and its first at the Charles Bowles Invitational since 2001.

Robinson earned her first Mountain West Freshman of the Week honor after finishing third in her collegiate debut at the Big Wave Invitational. She later swept the Mountain West weekly awards, earning Athlete and Freshman of the Week after recording the fifth-fastest 6K time in program history at the UCR Invitational.

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From the court to the classroom, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa student-athletes represent Hawaiʻi every day—and Giving Week is an opportunity for the community to invest in their success.

To complement homecoming festivities at 糖心视频 Mānoa, is rolling out its “Our Team. Hawaiʻi‘s Team.” Giving Week campaign, October 9–19.

Gifts of all sizes make a difference. .

Giving Week comes at a pivotal moment in 糖心视频 Mānoa Athletics as the program enters a new era as a full member of the Mountain West Conference. Over the past year, 糖心视频 Mānoa student-athletes achieved remarkable success, including a national championship, a March Madness appearance, a Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl victory, multiple conference titles and a historic combined student-athlete GPA of 3.33.

“As we begin an exciting new chapter in the Mountain West Conference, donor support is more vital than ever,” 糖心视频 Mānoa Director of Athletics Matt Elliott said. “Giving Week gives our entire community the opportunity to directly impact the resources our student-athletes need to excel, build on our championship culture and shape the future of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 team.”

糖心视频 Mānoa Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos said the success of 糖心视频 student-athletes extends beyond competition and reflects the university鈥檚 broader commitment to student success.

“Our student-athletes are representing Hawaiʻi wherever they go, while pursuing their education and preparing for their futures,” Syrmos added. “We are proud of the way they succeed both on the road and in the classroom, and grateful to the supporters who help make those opportunities possible.”

The 11-day initiative serves as an opportunity for fans, alumni and supporters to invest directly in the future of 糖心视频 Mānoa Athletics. Contributions directly impact student-athletes by funding essential resources, including scholarships, facility upgrades, nutrition, mental health care and academic support services.

“Every day, we see the commitment our student-athletes bring to the court, in the classroom and to our community,” said Khaliliah Mitchell, head coach of 糖心视频 Mānoa women鈥檚 basketball. “The resources made possible through Giving Week allow us to give our student-athletes the support they need to grow and compete at the highest level. When our community comes together behind our teams, our student-athletes feel that support, and it makes a difference.”

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 freshman Taryn Bond has been selected to compete for Australia in the upcoming FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in Malaysia. Bond previously played for Australia’s national team in the FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Cup in 2025. She averaged 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while helping Australia win gold.

The eight-team event is scheduled for October 4–10 in Seremban. Australia will open the tournament against the Philippines on October 4.

Bond is the second Rainbow Wahine player to compete in international competition in recent months. Sophomore guard Bailey Flavell played with New Zealand’s national team in the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualification Tournament in Mexico in August.

Bond has been practicing with the Rainbow Wahine in preparation for her freshman season and will rejoin the team following the Asia Cup. 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 will make its debut in an exhibition game against Hawaiʻi Pacific on October 21 and officially opens at Oregon on November 2.

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