Warriors give much-needed shot in the arm to Hawai‘i
Posted on May 27, 2021 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Governor Ige and the First Lady, coach Charlie Wade and team captain Colton Cowell with the NCAA trophy and proclamation.
No doubt about it — the UH men’s volleyball team boosted the spirits of the whole state when it won the 2021 NCAA championship last month. Governor Ige and First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige hosted the team, coaches and staff when he declared May 12, 2021 as “Rainbow Warrior Day” in Hawai‘i. “This has been a difficult time for all of us, but being able to share in the joy of watching our team represent the state so well is truly inspirational,” said the governor. “Congratulations to all of the team members, coaches and staff for representing Hawai‘i so well and showing the world that the Rainbow Warriors are a force to be reckoned with.”
Mrs. Ige echoed those sentiments and noted that the proclamation signing was the first public event at the historic home of Queen Lilli‘uokalani since the pandemic began. She and head coach Charlie Wade also extended condolences to the family of UH football great Colt Brennan, 37, who had passed away suddenly in California days earlier. “Those of us in athletics really strive to bring pride and joy to our community. It’s something we take seriously,” he said. “It’s been a hard year for everyone, so for us to be able to break that depression and provide a source of pride and joy— that to me is really gratifying and something I’ll remember for a long time.” Team captain Colton Cowell added, “This program produces high-caliber men, not just high-caliber student athletes. As a group we feel a profound sense of gratitude to the community and the state of Hawai‘i. We’ll be eternally grateful.”