L-R: Baylei Furman, Chris Fisher, Jackson Palladino, Kelly Takara
Sharks Weekly: Spotlight on HPU Men’s Soccer
HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
This episode of Sharks Weekly spotlighted Hawai‘i Pacific University men’s soccer with head coach Chris Fisher and student-athletes Kelly Takara and Jackson Palladino.
Coach Fisher, entering his 16th year at the helm, reflected on the program’s milestone draw against Simon Fraser and the team’s early 1-0-1 record. Junior forward and local product Kelly Takara shared how he’s embracing a leadership role built on accountability, while newcomer Jackson Palladino, an outside back from Merrimack College, talked about scoring HPU’s first goal of the year and adjusting to life in Hawai‘i.
The discussion also spotlighted the coaching staff, including assistant Joshua and new goalkeeper coach Cooper Bowen. Fisher praised the team’s depth and the “family” culture that defines the program. Lighter moments came with stories of road-trip bonding and lessons in local culture, from ditching turtle necklaces to upgrading swim shorts.
Looking ahead, the Sharks aim to compete for a conference title and continue climbing the rankings, currently sitting at No. 8 in the West. They return home for their opener against Cal Poly Humboldt on Saturday at Waipi‘o, followed by a rivalry match with Chaminade on Tuesday. The episode wrapped with advice for young players: master the basics and keep the joy in the game.
Hawaii handful nabs bunch of all-conference awards on way out of Big West
HONOLULU – Greatness on the way out. The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team secured seven different conference honors on Tuesday afternoon, seeing a handful of different Rainbow Wahine honored in the program’s final campaign in the...
Surf’s Up: OIA Holds First-Ever Surfing Event at Ala Moana Bowls
HONOLULU — History was made along Oʻahu’s south shore Monday as the Oahu Interscholastic Association held its first-ever surfing event at Ala Moana Bowls, marking a major milestone for a sport deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi’s culture. The event was the...
Mountain West reveals 2026 season schedule for Hawaii Football
The Mountain West Conference released its 2026 football schedule Monday, revealing a 12-game slate for the Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors football that includes six home games and six road contests. It marks the third consecutive season Hawaiʻi will play...
Sharks baseball bounce back to earn split against Azusa Pacific
WAIPAHU — After two heartbreaking losses to start the series, the Hawai’i Pacific University baseball team had a prime opportunity to reveal what kind of team it was. Not only did the Sharks win the next two games against Asuza Pacific University...
Hawaii Pacific earns at-large bid to 2026 NCAA Division II Tournament
HONOLULU – They finally sent an invite back to the islands. For the third time in program history, the Hawaii Pacific University men’s basketball team is going dancing as the Sharks received an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Division II men’s...