Walker, Rainbow Wahine Building Identity Ahead of First Exhibitions

Walker, Rainbow Wahine Building Identity Ahead of First Exhibitions

Aug 12, 2026

Walker, Rainbow Wahine Building Identity Ahead of First Exhibitions

Nearly two weeks into preseason camp, first-year University of Hawai‘i women’s volleyball head coach Joshua Walker likes what he’s seeing from the Rainbow Wahine.

Walker joined Hawai‘i Sports Radio Network ahead of the team’s first exhibitions of the 2026 season and said one thing in particular has stood out since the team officially opened preseason practice on July 30 — its work ethic.

“You can tell that these girls have been here for a while, so you can tell that they kind of know how to work and how to work hard,” Walker said. “That’s in all aspects of it. It’s not just in the practice gym. That’s what they do in the weight room. That’s what they’re doing around and among each other, even when they’re off the court.”

That work will get its first test this weekend when Hawai‘i travels to the Big Island to face UH-Hilo on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. It will mark UH’s first trip to Hilo since 1984. The Rainbow Wahine then return home to face Chaminade on Monday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Admission to the Chaminade exhibition is free.

For Walker, the Hilo trip is about more than getting on the court. The Rainbow Wahine and Vulcans will host a free keiki clinic Friday evening, giving UH an opportunity to connect with fans outside of O‘ahu.

“This is Hawai‘i’s team as well,” Walker said. “Us having a chance to give back to the community in whatever facet that is — obviously we don’t get over to Hilo too often — so having a chance to do that and get to interact with the kids there will be fun.”

The trip will also serve as something of a dress rehearsal for the regular season, allowing Walker and his staff to establish travel routines while evaluating lineups, roles and how the team responds to playing someone other than itself.

As for the identity Walker hopes begins to emerge, he pointed to the team’s word for the year: “MAUNA.”

“It’s just us trying to continue to grow, continue to go up the summit to try to find ways to get better, to get towards the peak,” Walker said. “We don’t know when that peak is gonna be, but continue to work hard to get to the place where we know this program needs to be.”

The Rainbow Wahine officially open the Walker era Aug. 28 against Georgia Southern in the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic at Bankoh Arena. Single match tickets are on sale now.

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Oct 10, 2026

The seeds of competence were there. The University of Hawai’i football team traveled to Tempe, took an early lead for the first time in a month and slowly unraveled afterwards on the way to a 30-12 loss to Arizona State (3-2) on Saturday night....

Clippers hold off Warriors late with Wagler’s clutch bucket

Clippers hold off Warriors late with Wagler’s clutch bucket

Oct 4, 2026

HONOLULU – Welcome back, NBA. After spending a week enjoying the Aloha Spirit and working through training camp, the Los Angeles Clippers kicked off their preseason slate with a 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon in...

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UH Athletics Launches Shoji Society to Strengthen Support for Student-Athletes

UH Athletics Launches Shoji Society to Strengthen Support for Student-Athletes

Aug 12, 2026

UH Athletics Launches Shoji Society to Strengthen Support for Student-Athletes

The University of Hawai‘i Athletics Department is putting one of the most recognizable names in its history behind a new initiative aimed at building greater financial support for its student-athletes.

UH Athletics, in partnership with the UH Foundation, officially launched the Shoji Society on Wednesday, a new leadership giving society named in honor of legendary Rainbow Wahine volleyball head coach Dave Shoji.

The initiative comes as the financial landscape of college athletics continues to change, with schools facing increasing costs associated with supporting, recruiting and retaining student-athletes.

According to UH Athletics Director Matt Elliott, Shoji’s name continued to surface as the department considered how to identify its new major giving society.

“Dave’s name and his legacy and what his family has accomplished and contributed to this place just kept coming back,” Elliott said. “It really was a symbol of not just excellence, but of integrity.”

Membership in the Shoji Society begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over up to five years, with four giving levels ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Contributions can support scholarships, NIL opportunities, student-athlete development, facility improvements and other priorities within UH Athletics.

The society launches with 10 charter members whose leadership commitments or lifetime giving have reached at least $1 million. Collectively, the group has committed more than $38.3 million over the past 46 years to support UH student-athletes.

The Shoji Society also serves as the major-giving component of the newly launched ‘Bows Athletics Club, which was created to provide a broader avenue for fans and supporters to financially support UH Athletics at all giving levels. A $100 donation provides membership in the ‘Bows Athletics Club.

For Shoji, who led the Rainbow Wahine for 42 seasons and won four national championships, lending his name to the initiative is another way to encourage the community to support the program he helped build.

“The landscape of athletics has changed,” Shoji said. “Back then we were worried about raising scholarship money. Well, scholarship money is minimum now. We have to keep up.”

Shoji said that support is increasingly important to provide student-athletes with what they need to compete with programs across the country.

“If my name can just propel somebody to give 50, maybe 100 dollars, I am so honored by that,” Shoji said. “If you check the box score on Sunday morning, then I think you should give whatever you can give to UH because we need the support and we need to stay up with the rest of the country.”

Women’s basketball head coach Khalilah Mitchell offered another perspective on what increased investment can mean beyond wins and losses, pointing to areas such as recruiting, nutrition, sports psychology and facilities.

“It doesn’t just help us win games. It builds the experience a championship program requires, and it lets us keep promises to the families who trust us with their daughters,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell added that the investment goes beyond what happens on the scoreboard, helping programs develop student-athletes throughout their time at UH.

“You’re helping us raise leaders. You’re helping us raise young women who show up, who speak up, who lift up, who graduate, who go into their communities and carry it in a very specific way,” Mitchell said. “Basketball is the vehicle. It was never the destination.”

Elliott said donor support can be directed toward a wide range of areas, including academics, physical and mental health, nutrition, performance technology, NIL and individual teams or the athletic department as a whole.

Men’s volleyball head coach Charlie Wade, who spent 11 seasons working alongside Shoji, said the increased investment is critical as the cost of competing in college athletics continues to rise.

“We’re not trying to be Ohio State or Texas,” Wade said. “We’re trying to be the best version of the University of Hawaii.” Wade said the increased level of support from the community can help put UH on a pathway to remain competitive nationally.

For Shoji, that ability to compete remains especially relevant to the Rainbow Wahine program he led for more than four decades.

Asked what it will take for Hawai‘i to return to the national championship conversation, Shoji pointed directly to recruiting and the resources available to attract players.

“We have to be able to provide what other schools are providing and maybe more,” Shoji said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Oct 10, 2026

The seeds of competence were there. The University of Hawai’i football team traveled to Tempe, took an early lead for the first time in a month and slowly unraveled afterwards on the way to a 30-12 loss to Arizona State (3-2) on Saturday night....

Clippers hold off Warriors late with Wagler’s clutch bucket

Clippers hold off Warriors late with Wagler’s clutch bucket

Oct 4, 2026

HONOLULU – Welcome back, NBA. After spending a week enjoying the Aloha Spirit and working through training camp, the Los Angeles Clippers kicked off their preseason slate with a 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon in...

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Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Begins New Era as Joshua Walker Leads First Official Practice

Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Begins New Era as Joshua Walker Leads First Official Practice

Aug 1, 2026

Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Begins New Era as Joshua Walker Leads First Official Practice

HONOLULU – A new chapter officially began for the University of Hawaiʻi women’s volleyball program on Thursday as first-year head coach Joshua Walker led the Rainbow Wahine through their first official practice of the 2026 season.

Just weeks after being named the program’s head coach, Walker admitted the whirlwind transition still hasn’t fully sunk in.

“As soon as everything was announced, it was go time,” Walker said. “It’s been a whirlwind. But to me, the job is the job, and that’s what I came to do.”

Walker inherits a program looking to bounce back from a difficult 2025 campaign while establishing a new culture centered around what he calls “MAUNA” — an acronym outlining the team’s mission, attitude, uniformity, no excuses and ability to assimilate new concepts.

Junior Libero/defensive specialist Victoria Leyva participates in the first official practice of the 2026 season. (Photo by Michael Lasquero/HSRN)

“We’re actually improving,” Walker said. “So that’s the focus for this year.”

The former Rainbow Warrior standout has quickly assembled one of the nation’s most accomplished coaching staffs.

Joining Walker are associate head coach Heather Olmstead, the 2018 AVCA National Coach of the Year, assistant coach Kolby Kanetake, the 2024 AVCA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year, and Will McDonald, who spent the past three seasons working alongside Walker at Baylor.

Walker said putting together a staff with complementary strengths was a priority.

“She’s a professional. She is elite at what she does,” Walker said of Olmstead. “Having someone like Will on board is instrumental as well… putting all those pieces together.”

The Rainbow Wahine will also take a slightly different approach to preseason preparation this year. Hawaiʻi will play exhibition matches versus Hawaiʻi Hilo on Aug. 15 at Afook-Chinen Civic Center before returning home to face Chaminade on Aug. 17, giving the team valuable game experience before the matches count.

“I just wanted this opportunity for us… to get some game reps,” Walker said. “Practice traveling, practice a home match before the matches get real.”

Senior middle blocker Miliana Sylvester believes the team is eager to turn the page after an offseason filled with change.

“We’re super excited to get started,” Sylvester said. “We have the pieces. I think we’re pretty talented this year, so we’re super excited. We’re ready to go.”

Despite roster turnover and a coaching change, Sylvester said the adversity strengthened the group.

“I think it definitely brought the team tighter,” she said. “Everyone that’s decided to stay… knows this is bigger than us. There’s a history behind it that we want to be a part of, a legacy that we want to continue.”

She also praised Walker’s experience as both a former Rainbow Warrior and an accomplished coach.

Hawaiʻi middle blocker Miliana Sylvester speaks with local media ahead of the team’s first official practice of the 2026 season. (Photo by Michael Lasquero/HSRN)

“He’s been in our shoes, so he knows what it’s like to play for this university and what it means,” Sylvester said. “I think he’s a great role model for us to look up to.”

Outside hitter Tali Hakas, who returns after working back from injury, echoed the excitement surrounding the program’s fresh start.

“I’ve been waiting for this time for a long, long time,” Hakas said. “I’ve been dreaming about this day. It’s finally here, so let’s just go after it.”

Hakas said the team is embracing the transition under Walker.

“We are open-minded. We are eager to learn and to develop, and whatever that takes, we’ll make this season the best we can.”

Outside hitter Tali Hakas participates in the first official practice under new head coach Joshua Walker. (Photo by Michael Lasquero/HSRN)

Walker said success this season starts long before the opening serve.

“I think just finding ways to win,” he said. “Everything from showing up to class on time, getting good grades, being a great teammate… It’s just getting a rhythm of doing the right things over and over again until we can’t get it wrong.”

Hawaiʻi opens the regular season by hosting the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic from Aug. 28-30, where the Rainbow Wahine will face Georgia Southern, Baylor and San Diego.

Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State

Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State

Oct 10, 2026

HONOLULU – Someone tell Joshua Walker to keep his dancing shoes handy. The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team continued a perfect start to conference play on Saturday night, slicing through San Jose State (6-10, 1-5 Mountain West) in...

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Oct 10, 2026

The seeds of competence were there. The University of Hawai’i football team traveled to Tempe, took an early lead for the first time in a month and slowly unraveled afterwards on the way to a 30-12 loss to Arizona State (3-2) on Saturday night....

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Matt Elliott Talks Media Rights, Mountain West Future & UH Athletics Momentum

Matt Elliott Talks Media Rights, Mountain West Future & UH Athletics Momentum

Apr 7, 2026

Matt Elliott Talks Media Rights, Mountain West Future & UH Athletics Momentum

University of Hawai‘i Athletics Director Matt Elliott joined Wake Up in The Den with Ku‘ulei Agbayani and Paul Brecht to provide a wide-ranging update on the state of UH athletics — from on-field success and community impact to major developments in media rights, conference alignment, and the evolving landscape of college sports.

LISTEN TO THE SHOW FEATURING MATT ELLIOTT

Media Rights Partnership & Expanded Exposure

One of the most significant developments discussed was UH’s ongoing local media rights negotiations, with Hawaii News Now identified as the selected partner to finalize a deal ahead of the 2026 season.

While a final agreement has not yet been signed, Elliott explained that publicly identifying the partner now allows both sides to begin the extensive preparation required before the new season — including production planning, staffing, and infrastructure setup.

At the core of the partnership is a clear objective: maximize visibility and access for UH athletics across multiple platforms.

Under the proposed model:

  • A larger number of home events will air on linear television, increasing traditional broadcast access across the state
  • Hawaii News Now will serve as the primary production partner for many broadcasts
  • UH will simultaneously build out its own internal production capabilities, allowing multiple events to be produced at the same time
  • Games will be distributed across both television and digital streaming platforms, rather than relying on a single outlet

This hybrid approach is especially important for Hawai‘i, where overlapping events have historically limited coverage.

Elliott pointed to scenarios where, for example, a baseball and softball game happening at the same time could both be available to fans — one on television, the other via streaming — instead of forcing a choice between the two.

A Shift Toward Volume & Accessibility

Beyond just distribution, the philosophy behind the deal represents a shift.

Rather than prioritizing a select number of broadcasts, UH is aiming for volume — getting as many games as possible in front of fans.

That includes:

  • Football, basketball, women’s volleyball, baseball, and softball (as required by the Mountain West Conference)
  • Olympic sports such as men’s volleyball, water polo and beach volleyball, even though they are not conference-mandated

Elliott emphasized that all sports are being treated as equally important in terms of visibility and storytelling.

The addition of the Mountain West’s upcoming streaming platform further expands that reach:

  • Fans statewide will see increased access on TV
  • Fans on the continent will gain consistent digital access
  • Nearly all home events — plus most conference road games — will be available in one ecosystem

 

Why This Matters for UH

For UH, this isn’t just a media deal — it’s a program-building tool.

Increased exposure:

  • Helps recruiting by showcasing programs to a wider audience
  • Strengthens fan engagement both locally and nationally
  • Creates new revenue opportunities tied to subscriptions and viewership

Elliott noted that when combined, linear television + streaming + in-house production will create a level of visibility UH athletics has never had before.

Basketball Updates: Stability Secured & Transition Underway

Since the interview aired, the biggest development on the men’s side has moved from expectation to near completion.

University of Hawai‘i Athletics Director Matt Elliott announced an agreement in principle on a contract extension for head coach Eran Ganot, with both sides working to finalize the formal deal in the near future.

The announcement reinforces what Elliott shared during the interview — that Ganot is firmly part of UH’s long-term plans.

Meanwhile, the search for a new women’s basketball head coach is progressing quickly following Laura Beeman’s retirement. Elliott revealed that more than 50 applicants have expressed interest, reflecting the program’s strong reputation and appeal.

Formal interviews are set to begin soon, with finalists expected to emerge in the coming days.

Giving Day & Supporting the Community

Closing out the conversation, Elliott encouraged fans to participate in UH’s upcoming Giving Day — a university-wide initiative supporting various programs and community needs.

He emphasized that while athletics benefits from the support, the broader goal is to uplift the entire Hawai‘i community, especially in the wake of recent natural disasters.

A Program Moving Forward — The Right Way

As UH athletics navigates conference changes, media deals, NIL developments, and coaching transitions, Elliott reiterated a consistent message: progress takes time, but the focus remains on building a sustainable future.

Through it all, the priority is clear — serve student-athletes, represent Hawai‘i with pride, and continue growing the reach and impact of UH athletics both on and off the field.

Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State

Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State

Oct 10, 2026

HONOLULU – Someone tell Joshua Walker to keep his dancing shoes handy. The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team continued a perfect start to conference play on Saturday night, slicing through San Jose State (6-10, 1-5 Mountain West) in...

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Oct 10, 2026

The seeds of competence were there. The University of Hawai’i football team traveled to Tempe, took an early lead for the first time in a month and slowly unraveled afterwards on the way to a 30-12 loss to Arizona State (3-2) on Saturday night....

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Inouye earns first save with Hawaii, shuts down former team in 4-1 win

Inouye earns first save with Hawaii, shuts down former team in 4-1 win

Mar 26, 2026

Inouye earns first save with Hawaii, shuts down former team in 4-1 win

MANOA — Redemption came full circle for Ryan Inouye on Wednesday night.

The right-handed side-arm pitcher recorded his first save with the University of Hawaiʻi, closing out a 4-1 victory at Les Murakami Stadium over his former team — Hawaiʻi Pacific University.

Inouye entered in the top of the ninth inning for his seventh appearance of the season — and his first since March 8 — and delivered a clean outing to secure the win for the Rainbow Warriors.

“I didn’t pitch much overall the past couple weeks, but to be able to get back on the mound like that is pretty special,” Inouye said.

The Kailua High graduate worked one inning, allowing one hit while striking out one and issuing no walks against four batters. The lone blemish came on a single by HPU’s Noah Hata, just the Sharks’ third hit of the game.

“Definitely wanted to get all of them out, but Noah got a hit so he’s definitely going to hold that one over me,” Inouye added.

The outing marked a bounce-back moment for the 5-foot-9 reliever, who had struggled in his previous appearances, surrendering two home runs during a series against Cal Poly.

Before transferring to Hawaiʻi, Inouye built a decorated career at HPU. He holds the program’s all-time saves record with 20 and set a single-season mark with 13 in 2024, helping lead the Sharks to their first PacWest tournament appearance since 2010.

Ryan Inouye throws a pitch to plate for the Sharks in 2025. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Ryan Inouye comes off the mound at Les Murakami Stadium to make a defensive play against the University of Hawai’i in 2025. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

He also played a key role in HPU’s runner-up finish at the 2025 PacWest tournament, including three perfect innings in a semifinal appearance in which he struck out four without allowing a hit or walk.

Despite being on the losing side, HPU coach Dane Fujinaka expressed pride in seeing his former closer succeed.

“I’m super happy for him,” Fujinaka said. “It’s weird seeing him in green on the other team, but it’s awesome to see him be able to play here every day and have a huge role for them.”

Fujinaka played a part in helping Inouye land at Hawaiʻi, reaching out to Rainbow Warriors coach Rich Hill and pitching coach Keith Zuniga after Inouye’s Division II eligibility expired.

Dane Fujinaka (left) chats with Ryan Inouye after the Sharks and Rainbow Warriors game Wednesday night.

“As soon as the season ended I hit up Zuni and Rich and said, ‘Hey, is there any interest here? I think he’s the perfect fit,’” Fujinaka said. “He lives five minutes away. He’s a different arm that a lot of your league hasn’t seen.

“I’m just really happy that UH and Rich gave him a chance to continue playing.”

Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State

Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State

Oct 10, 2026

HONOLULU – Someone tell Joshua Walker to keep his dancing shoes handy. The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team continued a perfect start to conference play on Saturday night, slicing through San Jose State (6-10, 1-5 Mountain West) in...

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short

Oct 10, 2026

The seeds of competence were there. The University of Hawai’i football team traveled to Tempe, took an early lead for the first time in a month and slowly unraveled afterwards on the way to a 30-12 loss to Arizona State (3-2) on Saturday night....

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