Award Celebrates Service
The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s women’s soccer squad has been honored with the 2025‑26 Pacific West Conference Women’s Team Community Engagement Award, a testament to its off‑field dedication.
The team logged an impressive 637.5 hours of community service during the academic year, a figure that reflects a sustained commitment to the islands’ neighborhoods.
Their service took many forms, from the annual Malama ‘Aina Day where players cleared litter and planted kalo, to reading sessions with elementary students on Dr. Seuss Day, and volunteer shifts at the Merrie Monarch Festival and Boo at the Zoo.
Collaboration with groups such as Special Olympics, Team IMPACT, and the Unity Prom amplified their impact, while on campus they helped coordinate Move‑in Day and staffed health fairs at the School of Pharmacy and EB DeSilva Health Fairs.
The squad also organized local soccer tournaments at Waiakea High School, the Na Hoa Cup and the Mini Big Tournament, giving young athletes a chance to play and fostering community spirit.
This is not the first time the program has been recognized; they previously earned the PacWest Team Engagement Award for the 2024‑25 season, underscoring a consistent pattern of service.