HONOLULU—University of Hawai'i women's volleyball head coach Robyn Ah Mow-Santos announced on Tuesday that defensive specialist/libero Kyra Hanawahine has transferred home to play her final two seasons at Hawai'i.
 
Hanawahine played her first two collegiate seasons at Oregon. She joins fellow UO transfer Jolie Rasmussen in becoming the Rainbow Wahine's newest players for the 2019 season. In two seasons as a defensive specialist/libero, Hanawahine appeared in 14 matches and 25 sets for the Ducks with 12 digs and a pair of service aces.
 
Hanawahine earned three varsity letters at Kamehameha Schools—Kapalama. She helped the Warriors advance to three-straight HHSAA championship matches—winning the state title in her junior season. Hanawahine earned first-team all-state and all-league honors in both her junior and senior seasons
 
"We couldn't be more excited as a staff that Kyra has decided to transfer home to finish out her collegiate career as a Rainbow Wahine," says Ah Mow-Santos. "Kyra adds depth to a position and skill that Hawai'i volleyball is known for. She will bring confidence, athleticism and a great deal of competition at the libero position and will compete with returnees Rika Okino and Janelle Gong the moment we begin spring training."

Hanawahine joins former Kamehameha teammate Braelyn Akana on the 2019 roster. Hawai'i will now have six newcomers on the roster this fall.

2019 Signees
-Braelyn Akana: 6-0, OH/OPP/MB, Kamehameha Schools—Kapalama, Hau'ula, O'ahu
-Kyra Hanawahine: 5-2, DS/L, Kamehameha Schools—Kapalama, Honolulu, O'ahu
-Amber Igiede: 6-3, MB, St. Michael HS, Baton Rouge, La.
-Jolie Rasmussen: 6-2, OH, Canyon Crest Academy/Oregon, Encinatas, Calif.
-Riley Wagoner: 6-0, OH, Dublin Coffman HS, Dublin, OH
-Tiffany Westerberg: 6-3, MB, Maple Ridge Secondary School, Maple Ridge, B.C. Canada