Way to go, ’Bows! Back-to-back NCAA champs celebrated
Posted on May 31, 2022 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Governor and Mrs. Ige with the winning UH Rainbow Warriors and coaching staff.
It was déjà vu all over again as the UH men’s volleyball team basked in the adulation of their fans — including Governor and Mrs. Ige —at Washington Place . “It’s my honor to recognize May 17, 2022 as Rainbow Warriors Day,” said the governor. He praised the team for their Big West honors, including head coach Charlie Wade being named Big West Coach of the Year. “Your hard work, dedication and determination are truly an inspiration to the people of Hawai‘i,” said the governor.
UH player Makua Marumoto shows off a championship ring and autographed ball.
Coach Wade paid his own tribute to his players, saying, “We’re so proud to bring the championship home to Hawai‘i. You stuck together and believed in each other.” He also noted they were one of the best academic teams in the country. The highest recognition for student-athletes at the tournament went to UH outside hitter Kānaʻi Akana, who received the Elite 90 award for having the highest cumulative grade point average of all the players in the finals. Akana, a finance major with a 3.95 GPA, addressed the crowd at the ceremony in Hawaiian and described the way the team of international players and “local boys” came together as a family. He concluded by giving credit to the team’s loyal fans who have cheered them on at every game. “This national championship is for and because of the people of Hawai‘i,” he said.