Vulcan Challenge to support student-athletes in classroom, and in competition

In partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) Foundation, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics is calling on the community to join its largest annual fundraiser: the monthlong Vulcan Challenge for the school’s student-athletes.

The Challenge aims to provide critical funding for scholarships, training resources, travel, and other essential needs that help University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s 12 NCAA Division II teams thrive.

“Our student-athletes continue to inspire us with their accomplishments, but we cannot achieve these results without community support,” said Patrick Guillen, director of University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) Athletics. “Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us develop the next generation of Ambassadors of Aloha, students who represent Hawaiʻi Island and our state with pride.”

Imani Lee, president of the UH Hilo Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, emphasized the direct impact of donor support.

“When you give to the Vulcan Challenge, you’re helping us compete at our best, travel to represent Hawaiʻi, and earn the education that sets us up for life,” said Lee, an outside hitter and defensive specialist with the Vulcans volleyball team. “Your support means we can continue to represent Hawaiʻi Island with pride and aloha on every field, court, and course.”

With help from community-raised funding, Vulcan student-athletes can better thrive in the classroom, in competition, and in service to Hawaiʻi Island.

UH Hilo Athletics is coming off a record-breaking year. Vulcan student-athletes achieved a 3.32 overall cumulative GPA, the highest in program history, and extended their streak to 14 consecutive semesters with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

On the fields and courts, eight teams advanced to PacWest Conference postseason play, highlighted by the men’s golf team’s third straight conference championship. Off the playing surfaces, student-athletes contributed countless hours to local causes, events, and youth programs, strengthening ties with the Hawaiʻi Island community.

“These achievements reflect the heart, discipline, and dedication of our student-athletes,” Guillen said. “By supporting the Vulcan Challenge, you’re investing in their future and in the pride they bring to our island.”

KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi ʻohana are once again demonstrating their loyal support of the Vulcan Challenge by matching the first $25,000 in gifts. Their generosity is joined by a $5,000 challenge gift from Charlie and Barbara Umamoto, along with a $13,000 matching gift from the Vulcan Booster Club.

“As student-athletes, we feel the impact of this generosity every day,” Lee said. “Knowing that the community believes in us – and is willing to match gifts to support our journey – motivates us to give our very best on and off the field.”

To make a contribution and support UH Hilo Athletics, visit Vulcan Challenge, which will run from Tuesday, Sept. 16 to Thursday, Oct. 16.