HILO, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Hilo Men's Soccer welcomes 23 newcomers as it looks to build upon a historic season in entering head coach Diego Marroquin's fourth season.
The 23 total for the incoming class is the largest since 2019 when the Vulcans had 26 first-year players added to the program.
Hawai'i Hilo went 12-6-2 overall last fall with trips to the PacWest Championships postseason tournament for a runner-up finish and its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance with a victory over Western Oregon in the NCAA Super 4 Region First Round.
"We were very intentional throughout the recruiting process taking time to identify student-athletes who fit not only our style of play, but also the culture and standards we've established here," Marroquin said. " Following up on the success of the 2025 season will be a challenge, but it's one we're excited to embrace.
"Our mission remains the same: develop outstanding student-athletes, create an environment where excellence is expected every day and compete for PacWest Championships and national success. Every player in this class brings something different, but they're all united by the same ambition — to improve, compete and help elevate our program. We're thrilled to welcome this group to the Big Island and can't wait to get to work."
The 2026 schedule will have 15 matches with six home contests at the Vulcan Soccer Field. The Vulcans will take on a gauntlet of Super 4 Region foes as part of the non-conference slate that includes four teams who finished inside the top five of their respective conferences.
First training sessions begin Aug. 10.
2026 MEN'S SOCCER ROSTER
- Roster Total: 33
- Seniors: 2
- Upperclassmen: 17
- Returners: 10
- Newcomers: 23
- Freshmen: 9
- Incoming Transfers: 14
- 2025 Departures: 20 (16 Graduated / Exhausted Eligibility)
NEWCOMERS POSITIONS
- Midfielder: 11
- Defender: 6
- Forward: 4
- Goalkeeper: 2
NEWCOMERS HOME STATE/COUNTRY
- California: 5
- Hawai'i: 2
- Oregon: 2
- Utah: 2
- Japan: 2
- Netherlands: 2
- Nevada: 1
- Washington: 1
- Brazil: 1
- Germany: 1
- Israel: 1
- Norway: 1
- Slovenia: 1
- South Korea: 1
D/M | 6'0 | JR-R | São Paulo, Brazil | Victory Rock Prep / Manhattan + Grand Canyon + Monroe
» One season at Manhattan University (New York) (NCAA D-I) playing for coach Jorden Scott
» Started and played in 1 match through one season with the Jaspers (medical redshirt)
» One season at Grand Canyon University (Arizona) (NCAA D-I) playing for coach George Kiefer
» Played 10 matches making 5 starts through one season with the Lopes
» Contributed to three team shutouts
» One season at Monroe College (New York) (NJCAA) playing for coach Marcus Dibernardo
» 2023 NJCAA Division I National Champion
» 2023 NJCAA Division I All-America First Team
» Nailed game-winning penalty kick for a 4-3 shootout victory over Tyler JC to win the NJCAA National Championship (Nov. 18, 2023)
» Played 17 matches making 9 starts through one season with the Mustangs
» Scored 2 goals; contributed to 11 team shutouts
» 2023 graduate of Victory Rock Prep (Florida)
» Four seasons of varsity soccer for coaches Marcos Silva, Maira Ogata
» Honors: 2023 MVP
Major: Business Administration – Management
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "The chance to help the program to achieve bigger things on a national level. Also to get to know this beautiful culture."
Coach's Words: "Henrique brings immediate leadership, championship experience and an elite mentality. His determination, competitiveness and resilience stand out every time he steps on the field. Defensively, he'll fit seamlessly into our back line, but his comfort on the ball also allows him to play a fluid role in our build up and give us another dimension."
DEF | 6'0 | JR-R | Petaluma, CA | Casa Grande HS / Central Arkansas
» Three seasons at University of Central Arkansas (NCAA D-I)
» Played 14 matches making four starts through three seasons with the Bears
» Totaled 1 assist
» Did not play during 2024 season
» 2022 graduate of Casa Grande High School (California)
» Three seasons of varsity soccer for coach Jordan Schlau
» Honors: League MVP
» First Name: Nicholas
» Career Aspirations: "To make millions."
Major: Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "If you had the opportunity to live in Hawai'i while getting an education and play soccer, would you say 'no?' Probably not."
Coach's Words: "Nico is an experienced defender who gives us tremendous flexibility across the back line. He has the athletic profile we value — quick, agile, powerful and strong in the air — but what separates him is his ability to play quality passes and help build attacks with his left foot."
FWD | 6'2 | JR | Tel Aviv, Israel | Dror HS / Point Park
» Two seasons at Point Park University (Pennsylvania) (NAIA / NCAA D-II)
» Played 27 matches making five starts through two seasons with the Pioneers
» Totaled 4 goals (1 game-winner) and 2 assists for 10 total points
» 2021 graduate of Dror High School (Israel)
» Career Aspirations: Sports Business
Major: Business Administration
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "To continue growing as a man and a player while experiencing the unique lifestyle and nature of the Big Island."
Coach's Words: "Ido is a striker we believe is ready for a breakout season after two strong years at his previous university. He has the pace and strength to stretch defenses while also possessing the technical ability to drop into midfield and connect play. He's an aggressive competitive forward who's always looking to create danger around the penalty area."
MID | 5'9 | JR | Shizuoka, Japan | Shimizudani HS / Saginaw Valley State + Academy of Art
» One season at Saginaw Valley State University (Michigan) (NCAA D-II)
» One season at Academy of Art University (California) (NCAA D-II)
» Started and played in 17 matches through one season with the Urban Knights before athletics was discontinued at the end of the 2024-25 school year
» Totaled 2 goals (1 game-winner) and 1 assist for 5 total points
» Contributed to two team shutouts
» Played the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 loss to the Vulcans in Hilo (Oct. 1, 2024)
» 2023 graduate of Shimizudani High School (Japan)
» Club/Travel Teams: Shimizu S-Pulse Academy
Major: Business Administration
Coach's Words: "Keita is a midfielder we've followed since his first season in the PacWest. His ability to control possession, recognize space and dictate the tempo of a match makes him a perfect fit for our style. His technical quality, composure on the ball and competitive nature really separated him during the recruiting process."
DEF | 6'2 | JR | Rotterdam, Netherlands | Dalton Lyceum Barendrecht / St. Cloud State
» Two seasons at St. Cloud State University (Minnesota) (NCAA D-II)
» Played 28 matches making 27 starts through two seasons with the Huskies
» Went the full 90 minutes in 21 contests
» Totaled 1 assist
» Contributed to 5 team shutouts
» 2022 graduate of Dalton Lyceum Barendrecht (Netherlands)
» Other Sports: Tennis (UTR: 9)
Major: Business Administration
Coach's Words: "Yannick is an experienced center back who we believe will make an immediate impact. Growing up in the Dutch system has given him a tactical foundation that aligns closely with the way we want to play. He combines athleticism, intelligence and a relentless desire to improve, and we're excited for him to help raise the standard of our back line."
MID | 5'9 | JR | North Salt Lake, UT | Woods Cross HS / Snow
» Two seasons at Snow College (Utah) (NJCAA) playing for coaches Jack Larter, Lewis Wilson
» 2025 Scenic West Athletic Conference Champion
» 2024 Region 18 Champion
» 2024 Region 18 All-Region Third Team
» Played 36 matches making 30 starts through two seasons with the Badgers
» Totaled 4 goals and 5 assists for 13 total points
» Contributed to 13 team shutouts
» 2024 graduate of Woods Cross High School (Utah)
» Four seasons of varsity soccer for coach David Newman
» Club/Travel Teams: Utah Avalanche ECNL
Major: Business Administration
Coach's Words: "Aidan joins us after playing a major role in one of the most successful periods in Snow College history. His work rate, ability to play at a high tempo and experience performing in important matches really stood out during the recruiting process. He understands what winning requires, and we're excited to add that mentality to our group."
MID | 5'8 | JR | Sandy, UT | RSL Academy / Salt Lake CC + Utah Valley
» One season at Salt Lake Community College (Utah) (NJCAA)
» Played 20 matches making 17 starts through one season with the Bruins
» Totaled 1 goal and 4 assists for 6 total points
» Contributed to 11 team shutouts
» Posted 3 assists in a 6-0 win over Truckee Meadows (Sept. 20, 2025)
» One season at Utah Valley University (NCAA D-I)
» 2025 NJCAA Region 18 Champion
» Played 4 matches through one season with the Wolverines
» 2024 graduate of Real Salt Lake Academy (Utah)
» Father played at BYU-Hawai'i
Major: Business Administration
Coach's Words: "David is an experienced midfielder who has consistently competed against some of the best players in the country. He has the soccer IQ, positioning and technical ability to make an immediate impact. We expect him to become a focal point in possession and help dictate the rhythm of matches for us."
MID | 5'8 | JR | Santa Ana, CA | Orange Lutheran HS / Long Beach CC
» Two seasons at Long Beach City College (California) (3C2A) playing for coach Jorge Reyes
» Played 36 matches making 24 starts through two seasons with the Vikings
» Totaled 4 goals and 9 assists for 17 total points
» 2023 graduate of Orange Lutheran High School (California)
» Four seasons of varsity soccer for coach Mike Oseguera
» Honors: 2023 California Interscholastic Federation Division 4 Player of the Year, All-State First Team, All-County First Team, All-CIF First Team
Major: Accounting
Coach's Words: "Jordi brings valuable leadership and experience to our squad after being a key contributor at one of California's top junior college programs. He's willing to do the hard work defensively while still possessing the technical quality and composure you'd typically associate with an attacking player. That balance makes him a valuable addition to our group."
DEF | 5'8 | JR | Tokyo, Japan | Sendai Ikuei Gakuen HS / Peninsula
» Three seasons at Peninsula College (Washington) (NWAC) playing for coach Jake Hughes
» (2x) Northwest Athletic Conference Champion (2023, 2024)
» (3x) Northwest Athletic Conference North Division Champion (2023-2025)
» 2025 NWAC North Division All-Star Second Team
» Played 40 matches through three seasons with the Pirates
» Received medical redshirt for 2024 season
» 2023 graduate of Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School (Japan)
» Three seasons of varsity soccer for coach Takashi Jofuku
» Career Aspirations: Professional Soccer Player, Nutritional Support or Athletic Training
» Community Activities: Volunteer Soccer Coaching
Major: Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "Its strong soccer program, beautiful environment and excellent Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences program. I believe it is the best place for me to grow both as a student and as an athlete."
Coach's Words: "Rei is a dependable defender who comes from a program with a rich winning tradition. He played an important role during his time at Peninsula, and we believe he'll transition seamlessly into our back line. He's tough, disciplined and dependable defensively while also possessing the vision and technical quality to help us play out from the back."
M/D | 6'1 | JR | Madera, CA | Matilda Torres HS / Merced
» Two seasons at Merced College (California) (3C2A) playing for coach Sergio Sousa
» 2025 Central Valley Conference Champion
» 2025 All-Central Valley Conference First Team
» 2024 graduate of Matilda Torres High School (California)
» Three seasons of varsity soccer for coach Jose Flores
» California Interscholastic Federation Central Section Division 4 Champion
» Club/Travel Teams: Madera United
» Nickname: Rico
Major: Psychology
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "Wanted to experience a new place and new people. Also experience a higher level of soccer."
Coach's Words: "Diego is a player with tremendous upside because of his athleticism and technical ability. He impacts the game on both sides of the ball and was instrumental in helping Merced College achieve a top-15 national finish. We believe his best soccer is still ahead of him."
GK | 6'0 | JR | Ingolstadt, Germany | Katharinen-Gymnasium / Coastal Bend
» Two seasons at Coastal Bend College (Texas) (NJCAA) playing for coaches Steo Cummins, Manuel Iwabuchi
» (2x) All-Region 14 Honorable Mention (2024, 2025)
» NJCAA Goalie of the Week (Oct. 2-8, 2024)
» (2x) NJCAA All-Academic First Team (2024-25, 2025-26)
» Played and started 33 matches through two seasons with the Cougars
» Posted a 21-7-3 record
» Totaled 183 saves (.880), 11 shutouts (18 total), 0.82 goals against average
» 2024 graduate of Katharinen-Gymnasium (Germany)
» Club/Travel Teams: VfB Eichstätt
» Career Aspirations: Rehab Coach
Major: Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "Good soccer team, good location and Kinesiology & Exercise Sciences major."
Coach's Words: "Tim is coming off two outstanding seasons at the junior college level where he competed for championships while earning individual recognition both on and off the field. He's incredibly professional in everything he does and will immediately help elevate the standards and daily competition within our goalkeeping group."
MID | 6'1 | JR | Haaften, Netherlands | Koningin Wilhelmina College / Northern Michigan
» Two seasons at Northern Michigan University (NCAA D-II) playing for coach Alexander Fatovic
» 2025 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champion
» 2025 CSC Academic All-District Team
» 2025-26 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Academic All-Excellence Team
» Played 36 matches making 35 starts through two seasons with the Wildcats
» Totaled 4 goals and 4 assists for 12 total points
» 2024 graduate of Koningin Wilhelmina College (Gelderland)
» Club/Travel Teams: FC Den Bosch
» Career Aspirations: Consultancy, Scientific Research, Policy Development
» Community Activities: Habitat for Humanity in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Major: Sociology
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "I felt a strong sense of community, a soccer environment with huge ambitions and a special culture that can make me grow as a person and will make me excel in the academic field too."
Coach's Words: "Teun is an experienced midfielder who also has the versatility to play higher up the field. Coming through an elite academy environment, he has an outstanding understanding of the game and exceptional vision in possession. Beyond his technical and tactical qualities, he's been part of winning environments throughout his career and that's something we place tremendous value on."
GK | 6'3 | SO-R | Eugene, OR | South Eugene HS / Cal Baptist
» Two seasons at California Baptist University (NCAA D-I) playing for coach Coe Michaelson
» 2025 Western Athletic Conference Regular Season Champion
» 2024 graduate of South Eugene High School (Oregon)
» Four seasons of varsity soccer for coach Pete Peterson
» (3x) Oregon School Activities Association Southwest Conference Champion
» Honors: (3x) OSAA SWC Goalkeeper of the Year
» Club/Travel Teams: United PDX ECNL
Major: Business Administration + Philosophy
Coach's Words: "We've followed Tate since his junior year of high school and have always believed he possesses the physical tools and technical qualities of a top goalkeeper. He's driven, competitive, and eager to earn opportunities. We're excited to watch him compete every day and continue developing within our environment."
M/F | 5'7 | SO | Trzin, Slovenia | SC PET / Campbell
» One season at Campbell University (North Carolina) (NCAA D-I) playing for coaches Dustin Fonder, Lucas Champenois, Omar Asad
» 2025 Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie Team
» Colonial Athletic Association Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 29-Oct. 5, 2025)
» Played 19 matches making 5 starts through one season with the Fighting Camels
» Totaled 1 goal (1 game-winner) and 4 assists for 6 total points
» 2024 graduate of School Centre for Post, Economics and Telecommunications (Slovenia)
» U17 Slovenian First Division National Champion
» Club/Travel Teams: NK Domzale, NK Brinje Grosuplje
» Nickname: Kiki
Major: Business Administration
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "Great opportunity to challenge myself and to get better. It's Hawai'i."
Coach's Words: "Kristijan is a player we're excited to see make an immediate impact. He's positionally versatile, fearless in the attacking moment and has the pace and power to consistently threaten behind the defense. What excites us most is his hunger to improve and his commitment to creating and scoring goals."
DEF | 5'10 | FR | Santa Ana, CA | Godinez Fundamental HS
» 2026 graduate of Godinez Fundamental High School (California)
» Three seasons of varsity soccer for coach Ricky Lizzaraga
» Honors: Defensive MVP, All-SoCal Division III Team
» Club/Travel Teams: Strikers FC
» 2022-23 U15 EA National Champion
Major: Administration of Justice
Coach's Words: "Elmer is someone we believe has all the qualities to become a future leader within our program. He's positionally versatile, technically clean and reads the game extremely well. What really stood out was his confidence in organizing teammates and leading from the field — qualities, in my opinion, that you can't teach."
M/F | 5'9 | FR | Nevada | Coronado HS
» 2026 graduate of Coronado High School (Nevada)
» Four seasons of varsity soccer for coach Barton
» (3x) State Champion
» Honors: (2x) Offensive Player of the Year, (4x) ECNL All-Conference First Team, 2025 United Soccer Coaches State Player of the Year
» Club/Travel Teams: LV Heat Surf 2008/2007 ECNL
» Nickname: Big D
» Career Aspirations: "Be the best I can be."
Major: Business Administration
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "Coaches, environment, people and the high level of soccer to be played."
Coach's Words: "Dylan has been an extremely productive goal scorer throughout his youth and high school career. His movement, finishing ability and composure inside the penalty area really impressed us. We believe he has the potential to develop into a prolific scorer at the collegiate level."
FWD | 6'2 | FR | Olympia, WA | Capital HS
» 2026 graduate of Capital High School (Washington)
» Four seasons of varsity soccer for coach Jeremy Richtmyre
» Washington State USYS Champion, High School League Champion
» Honors: Washington All-State, OPSM Combine MVP
» Club/Travel Teams: Washington Premier FC
» Other Sports: Basketball
» Career Aspirations: Professional Athlete and Business Owner
Major: Business Administration
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "To further my academic and athletic career. To live on the beautiful island to study and play soccer."
Coach's Words: "Tanner is a dynamic attacking player who has already shown he can compete at a high level, earning valuable USL League Two experience while still in high school. He has the tools to contribute immediately, and we're excited to help him continue developing into a complete striker."
MID | 5'6 | FR | Cheongju, South Korea | Northwood School
» 2026 graduate of Northwood School (New York)
» Three seasons of varsity soccer for coach Jon Moodey
» 2025 Sports Illustrated Prep School Rank No. 1
» Club/Travel Teams: Black Rock FC
» Nickname: Kimmy
Major: Business Administration
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "Great soccer team and beautiful campus."
Coach's Words: "Dowon is a player who thrives on connecting the game. He loves getting on the ball, linking the midfield with the attack and keeping possession moving. Defensively, he works tirelessly, isn't afraid to battle against bigger opponents and his experience with Black Rock has exposed him to elite competition from around the world."
MID | 5'7 | FR | Nanakuli, HI | Mililani HS
» 2026 graduate of Mililani High School (Hawai'i)
» Three seasons of varsity soccer for coaches Alika Cosner, Kevin Higaki
» (3x) O'ahu Interscholastic Association Champion, 2024 Hawai'i High School Athletic Association State Champion
» Club/Travel Teams: Hawai'i Rush 08B West
» Career Aspirations: Pilot or Business Owner
Major: Aeronautical Sciences
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "Has my major, affordable, like the community/atmosphere, Hawaiian education resources, soccer, close to home and away from home."
Coach's Words: "Elijah is a unique player within Hawai'i soccer. He's exceptionally technical, creative and confident on the ball while still possessing the work ethic and competitive mentality that define so many great local players. Coming from the Mililani program, he understands what it takes to perform under pressure and consistently compete for championships."
F/M | 5'11 | FR | Hosle, Norway | Eikeli Videregaende Skole
» 2025 graduate of Eikeli Videregaende Skole (Norway)
» Nickname: Mykle, Matty
» Career Aspirations: Football Player, Agent, Scout, Coach
Major: Undeclared
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "I felt an instant connection to coach Diego and the program he presented. Hawai'i is an unbelievable place where I believe I will develop a lot both as a player and a person."
Coach's Words: "Matias has consistently produced goals and assists at a high level in Norway. Whether he plays as a winger or attacking midfielder, he brings creativity, technical ability and strong attacking instincts. We expect him to bring quality in the final third while embracing the physical demands of college soccer."
MID | 5'8 | FR | Hilo, HI | Hilo HS
» 2026 graduate of Hilo High School (Hawai'i)
» Four seasons of varsity soccer for coach George Ichimaru
» (3x) Big Island Interscholastic Federation Champion
» Other Sports: Football
» Club/Travel Teams: Rush U19, Nakoa 07
» Nickname: Chan
» Career Aspirations: Finance
Major: Business Administration
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "It's my hometown."
Coach's Words: "Chan is someone we've loved watching since arriving in Hilo. His work rate is exceptional, whether it's making intelligent runs to create space or relentlessly pressing and chasing down opponents. Retaining and developing local talent is a major priority for our program, and signing one of the Big Island's top players helps build momentum for the future of soccer in Hawai'i."
DEF | 6'2 | FR | Portland, OR | Grant HS
» 2026 graduate of Grant High School (Oregon)
» Honors: 2025 Oregon School Activities Association 6A All-State Second Team
» Club/Travel Teams: United PDX Soccer Club
Major: Business Administration
Coach's Words: "Throughout Liam's recruitment, we consistently felt he was an outstanding fit for our program. His work rate, defensive instincts and communication immediately stood out. He's the type of player who embraces coaching, wants to improve every day and has all the tools to help us compete at a high level for years to come."
FWD | 6'0 | FR | Monrovia, CA | Monrovia HS
» 2026 graduate of Monrovia High School (California)
» Four seasons of varsity soccer for coach Gio De Anda
» Honors: All-Rio Hondo League First Team
» Club/Travel Teams: FC Golden State
» 2024 Elite Academy League National Champion
» Nickname: Eli
Major: Biology
Why Hawai'i Hilo: "Felt at home."
Coach's Words: "Elijah is an explosive attacking player with the potential to make an impact early in his career. He plays with confidence, embraces competition and isn't intimidated by older or more experienced opponents. We believe he'll continue developing into a player who contributes at both ends of the field."
