University of Hawai'i Athletics would like to recognize and congratulate the Class of 2020. Below are stories of some of the 65 current and former student-athletes representing 21 sports who were set to receive their degrees at the Spring Commencement Exercises.
Kendall Hune | Football | Carmel, Ind. | Sociology
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because they offered me a full scholarship for football coming out of Eastern Arizona College. My overall experience was great I made friendships that will last a lifetime and have the opportunity to get my degree at a great school.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite moment as a Rainbow Warrior would have to be winning the 2019 Hawai'i Bowl, and a close second was from the 2018 Hawai'i Bowl when I received the Most Valuable Player for our team.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Hopefully to continue playing football at the next level whether it be in the NFL or CFL (Canadian Football League). If that doesn't turn out I'm going to try to get into coaching.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Don't take the time in Hawai'i for granted because once you're gone you will just be thinking about the next time you will come back.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Both of my parents, coaches, and my academic advisor
Katharine Moffat. I just want to tell them thank you for sticking by my side throughout this crazy journey I've had in my college career and that I love them and hope I can keep making them proud.
Natasha Currence | Track & Field | Honolulu, O'ahu and Lahaina, Maui | Psychology
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because Hawai'i is my home. I couldn't imagine running with any other school's name on my chest. I wanted to represent where I came from and be an inspiration to other local athletes. My experience at UH was warm and adventurous. I've gained lifelong friends and a sense of 'ohana.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine was travelling to Long Beach, California and exploring the Santa Monica Pier with my teammates and coach. I remember we were all pleased with our performances and our coach brought us there as a reward. We were all laughing and sightseeing and taking lots of pictures. I still have all those pictures saved on my phone.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I plan on enrolling as an unclassified graduate student here at UH and finish out my eligibility. I would like to explore different classes that reflect my interests. I have wanted to be an art therapist for the longest time. I am looking to pursue that, but I'm also remaining open-minded in case my studies as a PBU student take me elsewhere.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would tell anyone interested in UH to learn as much as they can about the history of Hawai'i. There is so much that people don't know because the history of Hawai'i is not taught around the world. Whoever gets the privilege of attending the University of Hawai'i also has the privilege of learning about Hawai'i's truth and that is something so powerful in itself. Anyone interested in UH should also take the time to explore the island. You can't go to college in Hawai'i and not experience the hikes, waterfalls and beaches that the 'āina has to offer.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Katharine (Moffat) has been the best advisor I could ever ask for. She's so organized and compassionate and always sticks to her word. She always listened to me and made sure my academic path was in my best interest. Katharine, I always appreciated watching you come into the Nagatani Center when I worked as a SHM. You would always say, "Good morning!" and then rush to your desk to continue fulfilling students' lives.
Courtney Middap | Women's Basketball | Tasmania Australia | Human Development and Family Studies
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because of the culture and family environment. My overall experience was really good and I've made lasting friendships.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory was beating Cal Poly on senior night.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am moving back to Australia and want to work with at-risk youth.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice to someone considering UH is to get to know the program and the history behind it.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Garrett Clanin, my academic advisor, has been huge in helping me graduate and I wouldn't have been able to do it without him keeping me on track.
Malia Ebersberger | Women's Golf | Palm Desert, Calif. | Communications
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
One of the reasons I chose the University of Hawai'i was because I received an exciting scholarship offer from Coach Lori Castillo. Upon touring the campus, I fell in love with the aloha spirit and the idea of living in paradise. Being a Rainbow Wahine meant not only representing the university but the entire state of Hawai'i. This was such an exciting thought and motivational tool that an entire state would be cheering me on. I enjoyed my time at the University of Hawai'i and I am extremely grateful for my teammates that became my family and the friends that I made while attending college.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine golfer would be competing in our Spring Break tournament on the Big Island of Hawai'i last year. Our athletic trainer, Jay Goo had many job titles for that tournament. He was our "head coach", athletic trainer, and our personal gourmet chef. I was able to room with a couple of my favorite teammates Tyra, Kaci, Haruka, and Eng. The week was about playing tournament golf, bonding with my teammates, being spoiled with great meals and lastly being inspired by Jay's pep talks. To top it off at the end of the week we were able to bring home some hardware with a third-place finish, our best of the season! It was a great week, memory and something I shall remember always.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
After graduating from the University of Hawai'i, I will be moving back to California. I had planned on traveling to different parts of the world but due to the coronavirus unfortunately those plans have been altered for the time being. I have started to send out cover letters and resumes with the hope of eventually interviewing for jobs in sports marketing. Sports has been such a passion and important part of my life and even if I am not competing, I still want sports to be an integral part of my career.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice for anyone interested in coming to the University of Hawai'i is to look at all your options and make sure this is the right choice and fit for you.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents have been instrumental in helping me to accomplish my goals and I would like to thank them for always believing in me and pushing me to succeed through any challenge that I faced while at college. I would also like to give a big shout-out and a world of thanks to my academic athletic counselor Kari (Ambrozich), for always finding the time to be there for me whether it was academically or those days where there might have been a bump in the road of life. I have greatly appreciated all of your guidance and compassion.
Tanner Atiburcio | Cheerleading | Mililani, O'ahu | Mechanical Engineering
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I wanted to stay home for college and plus I have been a fan of UH since I was a little kid. UH has been everything I expected it to be and I am glad to cross paths with amazing people.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior is when we introduced the green smoke at the Washington football game this year. It was a sight to see and I am glad that I was a part of it.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am looking to pursue engineering in the medical field. I enjoy designing and with my work I hope I can affect the community in a positive way.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice is that you will meet people all across the world. With so much aloha here, you can make so many connections that will benefit you in the future.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My family definitely has played a huge role in me graduating. They have sacrificed so much and I hope one day I can pay them back. I would tell them "thank you for everything you guys have done, I love you guys."
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