Aloha & Mahalo - Senior Class, Spring 2024 (Part 1) - University of Hawai'i at Manoa Athletics (2024)

University of Hawai'i Athletics would like to congratulate and recognize members of the Class of 2024. Below are stories of some of our current and former student-athletes who earnedtheir degrees this spring.

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because being able to represent my home state to finish my collegiate career is something very special. My overall experience at UH has been amazing and I have created so many great relationships and memories along the way.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory at UH was breaking the scoring record two weeks in a row at Kā'anapali then Kapolei.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
After college I will be turning pro and will be playing on the APGA Tour. My first pro tournament is May 20-22 in Illinois. My goal is to make it to the PGA Tour.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would say that UH is a very unique place to go to college and going to UH is a decision you will not regret.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
(Academic advisors) Penny-Bee and Kelsey O'Brien have definitely helped me to stay on track with school and I am very thankful for their help. They made my life easy these past two years and I couldn't have done it without them.

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH for a great education and its competitivevolleyball team. I had an amazing experience with the best coaches and teammates in one of the best volleyball environments in thecountry.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine traveling abroad with the teamto Brazil last summer -and- winning the Big West Tournament this fall.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Next I will be playing professionally overseas for a few years and then I will explore my business career options.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would tell anyone interested in UH that there is no place like it in the world. The culture, environment, and people are like no other and create such an amazing place to compete and learn in.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I would say that my parents have been great influences on me getting my degree as they have always supported me in any of my aspirations. I also have had great coaches here at UH that have been so instrumental in getting my degree because juggling sports and school can be difficult and they were always so helpful in helping me create balance. Also my friends/ teammates here at UH have been such an amazing support system for me and have helped shape me into who I have become the last two years.

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I got to stay home and be part of a Division I program that is consistently competing for Conference Championships. Additionally, the opportunity to design my own major through Interdisciplinary studies while working in a top research institution.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory at UH is winning the MPSF conference this past year with my teammates in my senior season

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I plan on taking a gap year before pursuing a Master's Degree in Sports and Performance psychology at the University of Denver. After that, I hope to work as a sports psychologist and help young athletes overcome mental hurdles and achieve their highest level of performance.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would tell anyone interested in UH to immerse yourself into the culture fully. Hawaii is an amazing place to study, live, and explore.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I just want to say thank you to my family for supporting me in this academic pursuit. Additionally, I want to thank my academic advisors Justin Clapp and RJ Ozoa-Aglugub for helping me navigate the various courses I needed to graduate. Finally, thank you Dr. Scott Sinnet and Graduate student Isak Kim for introducing me to psychology research and supporting my interests.

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose the University of Hawai'i (UH) for several compelling reasons, each of which holds significant personal meaning to me. First, my decision was influenced by my family's legacy and ties to the island, particularly through my uncle's involvement in football at UH. Growing up, I frequently visited Hawai'i and developed a profound connection and love for the island, its culture, and its people. The sense of community and the aloha spirit resonated deeply with me, making UH feel like a natural fit. Additionally, I admire the values and principles that the state of Hawai'i stands for, including sustainability, diversity, and respect for the environment. Finally, UH's reputation for providing a quality education aligned perfectly with my academic aspirations, making it an ideal choice to pursue my goals. Overall, my experience at UH has been incredibly enriching, both academically and personally.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory at UH was traveling to Italy for our international trip.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
After my graduation at UH, I will be continuing my academic journey towards receivinga masters degree. I will also be pursuing my last year of eligibility to play basketball.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice is to approach your time at UH Manoa with an open mind, a spirit of curiosity, and a willingness to explore new opportunities. Embrace the unique culture and natural beauty of Hawaii, get involved in campus life, and make the most of your academic journey. Hawai'i's culture is unlike any other. Take the time to learn about Hawaiian traditions, customs, and values, and actively participate in cultural events and activities. Embracing the local culture will enrich your university experience and deepen your connection to the community.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My mom and dad have been my absolute rocks throughout all four years here at UH and I wouldn't be here without either of them. So, to my parents, thank you for always speaking light and wisdom into me andfor always pushing me to be the best I can possibly be. Thank youfor always being there for me no matterwhat tosupport me through everything and encouraging me to finish strong. To my twin brotherElijah,Keishand Viv - Thankyou guys too. Each one of you has inspired and encouraged me in your own way. Without you guys, I wouldn't be walking across that stage either. I love all of you.You guys are who I do it for.

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
My favorite part about being a Rainbow Wahine was how much I was loved and treated like family. I love the sense of camaraderie and sisterhood among my teammates. I will forever cherish the bond we've formed both on and off the field.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My most memorable moment was seeing my entire family and friends occupy more than half of the stadium when I was playing in my hometown of San Diego, -and- hitting a triple to get the lead in that game after missing a bunt sign my sophom*ore year. That was the beginning of my career at designated player, and I felt so much love and was on cloud nine.I'm going to miss representing the state of Hawai'i; havingfun on roadtrips; but most of all I'm going to miss all the incredible friendships I made with the girls and all of our fun adventures outside of softball.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Going to fulfill my dreams of traveling, where I'll be living in Vienna, Austria for a few months before moving back home to San Diego .

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
One piece of advice I'd give to if someone was coming to UH is to always stay humble and kind. Get out of your comfort zone, UH is the perfect place for you to grow into your own, meet new and amazing people, and to find out who you are as an individual, these are the best years of your life, take advantage of it.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My loved ones have been a huge help in me getting my degree, especially my mom. She pushes me to strive and achieve my goals; to be the best; and to live in resilience. She is my biggest fan of all. I love you, Mom! I also want to thank all of my family for the support of showing up to my games and just loving me for who I am. To all the people who have helped me find myself not only as an athlete but as a woman of God, thank you. I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without you guys!

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because it was close to home, which was especially crucial when the pandemic started. I originally played on the Rainbow Wahine tennis team my first year so I essentially used that also as an opportunity to stay here!

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory was probably going to my first nationals in New Orleans--it was also my first travel regatta! It was hands-down one of the craziest places I have been to and the girls and Igot to feed some gators and eat good food. I also really enjoyed going to Harbor Cup this past semester with the co-ed team, which is one of the most prestigiouskeel boat regattas in college sailing.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Ah, the dreaded question! I'm planning to stay at UH for the next two years to get my Master's degree in English and we'll see where life takes me from there. As long as I'll still be able to get out on the water with whatever I will end up doing afterwards, I will be happy!

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Go study at the library! Studying on the beach or outside can be too hard--there's too many temptations to want to hop in the ocean or go climb a mountain out here.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents have been my biggest supporters through thick and thin in my college career. Through changing majors and changing sports they have respected my decisions and kept motivating me to go forward and achieve and do the most I can. I hope they know how grateful I am for them and that they made this all possible for me!

ELMA G. LUND | WOMEN'S DIVING | OSLO, NORWAY | B.A. - INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
Hawai'i is the far oppositeof Norway and coming here was a great change in scenery for me. Diving-wise, people, environment, academics, and the support team have been all I could have asked for to call my home for the past four years.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory from UH hasbeen every year's Senior Night. The stands were full, great weather, and the air filled with appreciation and cheering alumni.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
This summer I will be moving to Miami for rehearsal to be become a diver for Royal Caribbean, Wonder of the Seas. After that, I will start law school in Oslo, August 2025.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Embrace all the different people you will meet. Don't take anything for granted and be open minded to live with aloha spirit.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My academic advisors Justin Clapp and RJ Ozoa have been incredibly helpful, patient and genuine in their work. They make every student feel accomplished in what they do and supported to reach their goals. My family has supported any life decision I've made, even when it was to move to the other side of the world to continue my passion for diving and academics. I want to thank the whole support team here at UH and my teammates for being a part of this important chapterin life.

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because of the Aloha Spirt and everything that comes with it. Being a local boy, it was easy to see the values of aloha and wanting to keep my college career aligned with that.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory was winning the two NCAA titles in 2021 and 2022.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I will continue my volleyball career in the short term in Europe. Then later in life I will peruse my business career in marketing or the Travel Industry.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would recommend they look up the culture of Hawai'i and immerse themselves in all it has to offer. This is of most importance when deciding to go to school here.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
All my professors and coaches have been instrumental in helping me to fulfill my academic and athletic potential and I'd like to give a huge mahalo to all of them.

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