By Sophia Chin
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Builds on Historic Momentum
At UH Mānoa, there’s strong momentum right now. Since AD Matt Elliott took over in June 2025, Rainbow Warrior athletics has made big strides on **both** competitive and community fronts. The program notched national titles in men’s volleyball, a rare NCAA championship win, and the men’s basketball team grabbed its first Big West tournament win in a decade — a gateway to this year’s national bracket. Football also flashed its potential, finishing 9-4 with a bowl game victory. These triumphs aren’t just about wins: they’ve infused morale around campus and across the islands.
Support Behind the Success
It’s not just the scoreboard showing progress. Fundraising hit record levels — more than tripling the prior year — with strong community response. Licensing revenue also rose, while efforts to improve student-athlete opportunities leverage name, image, and likeness supports. It’s a full-spectrum push: competitive excellence, infrastructure, and support systems.
Honolulu High Schools: Leagues and Participation That Reflect Our Culture
Our high school landscape is vast and rich. In Honolulu, private and public schools are grouped into athletic conferences like the ILH and the OIA, each playing dozens of sports — everything from football, volleyball, and basketball to canoe paddling, air riflery, and surfing. These leagues sponsor tens of thousands of student-athlete slots, allowing participation at multiple levels (intermediate, JV, varsity).
The Scale and Value of School Sport
Take ‘Iolani, for example: in the 2024-2025 school year it supported over a hundred teams across intermediate, JV, and varsity levels, with strong gender representation and high student involvement. Sports here aren’t just extras—they’re an integral part of student life, growth, and identity.
Where We’re Headed and What to Watch
With UH’s ongoing pattern of national trophies, expectations will be high: can the Warriors in volleyball defend their titles? Will basketball continue making noise in post-season tournaments? For Honolulu high schools, the upcoming seasons in fall football, volleyball, and cross country are set to bring intense rivalries — especially between OIA schools, where community investment is deep and history strong.
Challenges & Opportunities
Some challenges remain: travel costs for UH in national conferences, maintaining equitable resources among high schools, and ensuring academic balance for student-athletes. But opportunities are growing — from improved facilities and training to expanded visibility via media and community engagement. And as more student athletes step onto regional or national stages, our cities, islands, and schools all benefit. Honolulu’s sports scene reflects more than competition—it reflects who we are.