HILO, Hawai'i – University of Hawai'i at Hilo Athletics launched its annual Vulcan Challenge on Sept. 21, inviting the Hawai'i Island and statewide community to support student-athletes and help unlock more than $46,000 in matching gifts.
In partnership with the UH Foundation, the month-long campaign runs through Oct. 23 and supports scholarships, travel, training and other essential resources for Hawai'i Hilo's 12 NCAA Division II teams.
"Vulcans student-athletes continue to inspire us every day with their dedication, academic excellence and accomplishments both in competition and throughout our community," Hawai'i Hilo director of athletics Patrick Guillen said. "The annual Vulcan Challenge helps provide our teams with the scholarships and resources they need to thrive, and we are deeply grateful to the community and donors who make these opportunities possible."
Visit HiloAthletics.com/VC to Support Hawai'i Hilo Student-Athletes and the Vulcan Challenge
KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi 'ohana are once again demonstrating their support of the Vulcan Challenge by matching the first $25,000 in gifts. Their generosity is joined by a $13,000 matching gift from the Vulcan Booster Club, as well as an additional $5,000 from the Hawai'i Rush Soccer Club Big Island to directly support Hawai'i Hilo Women's Soccer. Guillen will also match the first $250 for each program, including Sports Medicine, for a total of $3,250.
The fundraising effort follows a record-setting year for the Vulcans. Seventy-five student-athletes were named to the D2 Athletics Directors Association Academic Achievement Award list after maintaining cumulative grade point averages of 3.50 or higher. Across all 12 varsity programs, student-athletes achieved a record 3.37 combined GPA during the 2025-26 academic year, surpassing the previous mark of 3.32.
The Vulcans also brought home Pacific West Conference Championships in both Men's Golf — its fourth consecutive title — and Women's Golf while the Softball team qualified for the NCAA West Regional postseason rounds.
Beyond competition, Vulcans student-athletes strengthen connections across Hawai'i Island through volunteer service, youth outreach and community engagement efforts.
"Our student-athletes continue to inspire us with their accomplishments, but we cannot achieve these results without community support," UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin said. "Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us develop the next generation of Ambassadors of Aloha — students who represent Hawai'i Island and our state with pride."
For Kendall Oda, president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a Women's Basketball player for the Vulcans, the support of donors helps make these opportunities possible.
"Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us chase excellence and build a future beyond sports while representing Hawai'i everywhere we go," Oda said. "It's because of our donors that we can reach our full potential here in Hilo and create memories that will last a lifetime."
To make a contribution to the Vulcan Challenge and support Hawai'i Hilo Athletics, visit HiloAthletics.com/VC.
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I AT HILO
The University of Hawai'i at Hilo is a comprehensive, regional university located on the Big Island of Hawai'i. UH Hilo offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a diverse supportive environment. The Vulcans Athletics department fields NCAA Division II teams as a proud member of the Pacific West Conference.
UH FOUNDATION
Established in 1955, the University of Hawai'i Foundation is the central fundraising organization for the UH System, contracted by the Board of Regents as the sole provider of fundraising and alumni services. The Foundation manages more than 8,000 gift accounts for the benefit of the university and its students.
