Fresh Faces, Strong Connections: HPU Volleyball Welcomes Gibson and Hunstock

Hawai‘i Pacific University women’s volleyball is underway for the 2026 season with a young roster looking to grow together on and off the court.

Head coach Jenic Tumaneng joined Sharks Weekly alongside freshman middle blockers Presley Gibson and Ali Hunstock to discuss their paths to HPU, the transition to college volleyball and the culture surrounding the Sharks program.

For Gibson, the opportunity to play collegiately means staying close to home. The Kapolei High School graduate said having family, friends and the local community in the stands has made the transition even more meaningful.

“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to stay home, see my family and friends,” Gibson said. “It’s just nice to know that growing up in this community … I still get to stay and play for them.”

Hunstock took a different route to HPU, arriving from California. Her family had previous ties to Hawai‘i, and after visiting the campus and meeting members of the program, she felt HPU was where she wanted to be.

Despite their different backgrounds, both freshmen pointed to the same thing that ultimately attracted them to the Sharks: the relationships within the program.

Gibson described HPU as a tight-knit environment reminiscent of her high school team, while Hunstock said she immediately noticed the family atmosphere during her recruiting visit. Hunstock also credited conversations with the coaching staff and current and former Sharks for giving her confidence in the direction of the program.

Tumaneng said both players also made their desire to become Sharks clear throughout recruiting, consistently reaching out and showing they wanted to be part of the program.

The two freshmen are now getting their first taste of college volleyball as part of a busy opening stretch for HPU. Beyond the immediate results, Tumaneng emphasized continued development and getting better each day as the Sharks work through the early portion of the season.

For Gibson and Hunstock, it’s the beginning of what could be a four-year journey together — one local product staying home and another newcomer making Hawai‘i her new home.

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