Support UH Hilo athletes in monthlong Vulcan Challenge

The Vulcan Challenge kicks off September 16 and runs through October 16.

Contributions support scholarships, training, and athlete travel.

Vulcan student-athletes achieved a record 3.32 GPA – the highest in program history.

Link to soundbites (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/com

In partnership with UH Foundation, the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Athletics is calling on the community to join its largest annual fundraiser – the monthlong Vulcan Challenge – to ensure continued excellence for Vulcan student-athletes in the classroom, in competition and in service to Hawai‘i Island.

Running from September 16–October 16, the Vulcan Challenge provides critical funding for scholarships, training resources, travel and other essential needs that help UH 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, UH Hilo Athletics Director. “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.”

Imani Lee, President of the UH Hilo Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, 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. “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 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.”

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 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.”

To make a contribution to the Vulcan Challenge and support UH Hilo Athletics, visit Vulcan Challenge.

Link to soundbites (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/com

Patrick Guillen/Athletics Director, UH Hilo 

(17 seconds) 

"This past year eight of our 12 teams qualified for postseason play. And our men’s golf team captured their third consecutive PacWest Conference championship. But even more impressive is our student athletes recorded a cumulative GPA of 3.32 which is a new program record."

 (16 seconds) 

"This is all possible due to your unwavering support and generosity. We are deeply grateful, however like always with success comes even greater challenges. Will you please help us continue our momentum and make a donation to support our program?"

(10 seconds) 

"Our students are our ambassadors of aloha as they travel abroad and represent our great state of Hawaiʻi, UH, the Big Island and Vulcan athletics."