Show your team spirit, Big Island, and take the annual Vulcan Challenge now

It’s time to show your Vulcan pride, Big Island, and turn out to support University of Hawai‘i at Hilo student-athletes.

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Athletics, in partnership with University of Hawai‘i Foundation, calls on the community to take the monthlong Vulcan Challenge to ensure the continued excellence and success of student-athletes on the field, track, court, course and other competition venues, as well as in the classroom and in service to Hawai‘i Island.

The largest annual fundraiser for University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Athletics kicked off Sept. 16 and runs through Oct. 16.

Funds raised through the challenge provide critical funding for scholarships, training resources, travel and other essential needs that help 12 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II teams thrive at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.

“Our student-athletes continue to inspire us with their accomplishments, but we cannot achieve these results without community support,” said University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Athletics Director Patrick Guillen in an announcement about the challenge. “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.”

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Imani Lee emphasized how donor support makes a direct impact.

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

KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi ‘ohana 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 added. “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.”

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Athletics is coming off a record-breaking year.

Vulcan student-athletes achieved a 3.32 overall cumulative grade-point average during the 2024-25 academic year — the highest in program history — and extended their streak to 14 consecutive semesters with a grade-point average of 3.0 or above.

Eight teams advanced to PacWest Conference postseason play, highlighted by the men’s golf team’s third consecutive conference championship.

Student-athletes also contributed countless hours to local causes, events and youth programs, strengthening ties with the Hawai‘i 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.”

Visit the Vulcan Challenge website to make a contribution and show your support and pride for University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Athletics.

Guillen said the Hilo university’s athletics department and its student-athletes are deeply grateful for all of the assistance and support they receive — it is definitely making a difference, and one that can be seen in the stat book.

He encourages the Big Island community to continue standing with them.

“Will you please help us continue our momentum and make a donation to support our program?” Guillen asked.