University of Hawai‘i women's soccer coach Michele Nagamine is entering her 15th year at the helm as the Rainbow Wahine prepare for the 2026 campaign. Recent practices have already begun, with the team adjusting to new training surfaces after heavy rain forced a move from the grass field to the turf at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
The program is set to make its first appearance in the Mountain West Conference, a move that brings fresh challenges such as long-distance travel and the altitude of opponent venues like Air Force Academy in Colorado. Nagamine notes that these factors will test the squad's depth and adaptability, especially early in the schedule when the first conference match is slated for September 27, 2026 against Air Force.
A Milestone Season
Beyond the on‑field competition, Nagamine emphasizes the importance of community service and honoring those affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires. The team will play an exhibition game on August 9, 2026 on Maui against Seattle University, using the platform to pay tribute to the victims of the Lahaina fires and to reinforce ties with the local community.
Associate head coach Ula Rowe, who shares a history with Nagamine from their Kamehameha days, has helped shape a more relaxed coaching environment. Their camaraderie reflects a broader cultural shift within the program, one that blends competitive ambition with a deep sense of place and responsibility.
The upcoming season also marks a symbolic return to the Mountain West stage after years in the Big West, a transition that Nagamine describes as both exciting and demanding. The team will face unfamiliar climates, time zones, and playing conditions, all of which require careful preparation and a resilient mindset.