Hawai‘i Pacific University women’s flag football is preparing to make history as the first collegiate program in the state, with an inaugural group focused on establishing a foundation that extends well beyond its first season.

Head coach Kanda Korver joined Sharks Weekly alongside Addison Morgan and Kealohilani “Kea” Akana to discuss building the program from the ground up, creating its identity and the opportunity to expand the pathway for wahine athletes in Hawai‘i.

For Korver, being HPU’s inaugural head coach comes with an understanding that the work this first group does could have a lasting impact.

“Everything that we’re building, it’s bigger than myself,” Korver said. “It’s bigger than all the team puts together because what we’re doing is really laying the foundation to open up more opportunities for wahine in athletics.”

That vision helped bring Morgan to Hawai‘i from Rochester, New York. After winning a state championship in high school, Morgan played collegiately at Wingate, where she helped win a Conference Carolinas championship and earned MVP honors. When Korver reached out about HPU, Morgan said their first conversation and shared vision for the program immediately stood out.

Morgan now brings previous collegiate experience to a roster featuring players with varying backgrounds in the sport. After once having to adjust to competing against athletes with more flag football experience, she sees an opportunity to use those lessons to help HPU’s younger players navigate that same transition.

Akana’s path represents the local opportunities HPU hopes to create.

The Campbell alum was part of the Sabers’ inaugural girls flag football team and helped lead the program to a state championship. Akana initially planned to attend college elsewhere before HPU announced its program, giving her an opportunity to continue playing while remaining close to her family and support system.

The Campbell Sabers girls flag football team lifts the koa head trophy, celebrating their 2025 HHSAA State Championship. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Building that first roster was a challenge for Korver, who began recruiting in July after many prospective players had already committed elsewhere. She estimates making nearly 1,500 calls while reaching out to flag football players, transfers and athletes from other sports.

Through that process, Korver prioritized more than athletic ability. Hard work, versatility, openness to learning and a willingness to contribute to the community are central to the culture she wants to establish. The Sharks have already participated in a campus beautification project at Ma‘ema‘e Elementary School, with clinics and additional community involvement planned.

As HPU prepares for its collegiate debut, Korver wants the Sharks to understand that every habit and decision made by the inaugural team will help define what the program becomes.

For Morgan, that means building a genuine team environment and showing young players back home that collegiate opportunities exist. For Akana, it means continuing to develop her football IQ while becoming a leader who helps teammates from outside Hawai‘i feel at home.

The first chapter of HPU women’s flag football has yet to be played, but its inaugural Sharks are already beginning to determine what the program will stand for.

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