Matt Elliott stepped into the role of athletics director at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa at the start of the 2025‑26 academic year, inheriting a program eager for renewal. His inaugural twelve months have been defined by championship victories, a record‑breaking fundraising campaign, and a series of strategic milestones that have reshaped the campus sports landscape.
A Year of Firsts and Foundations
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s women’s volleyball team will open its season with an exhibition match against the Mānoa Rainbow Warriors on August 15, a contest that promises to showcase the growing depth of the state’s collegiate program.
Meanwhile, the Hilo women’s soccer squad is slated to contest a 15‑match schedule that includes rematches with all three opponents that captured the NCAA West Region titles last season, a testament to the team’s competitive ambition.
The men’s basketball program also received recognition, as six of its student‑athletes earned spots on the National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court, highlighting academic and athletic excellence.
On the sand, Milaniakai Padilla of Maui made history by becoming the first Hawaiian athlete to be named Amateur Athletic Union Beach Volleyball Player of the Year, a breakthrough that underscores the rising profile of local talent.
The women’s golf team added another layer of distinction, with five of its members honored as All‑American Scholars, reflecting a broader culture of academic achievement across the university’s sports offerings.
Together, these milestones illustrate a year in which the Hawaiʻi athletics department not only celebrated on‑field success but also built a foundation for sustained growth, setting the stage for an even more ambitious schedule in the coming months.