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.
Tatiana Desender | Track & Field | London, Ontario, Canada | Human Development and Family Studies (major), Biology (minor)
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because it provided me with a beautiful climate, training facility, and overall welcoming experience. I was able to train outdoors year-round which was a huge plus as living in Canada is quite cold. I felt my overall experience at UH was positive as I have made some lifelong friends within athletics and with other students. The faculty has been amazing in providing me with the academic tools I can take with me in the future.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine was during my sophomore year as our track team's 4x400 relay qualified for Big West Championships. Being able to run at the Big West with my teammates was truly a highlight for me.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
The next step in my journey is to move to Fredericton, NB to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree. I will be completing a 10-month program where I will be teaching high school students Biology and Family Studies. By next summer I will be a high school teacher and track and field coach.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
The advice I would give is to make sure they are ready for the hardships faced when moving away from home. Make sure you are emotionally and mentally prepared as this is a huge life step. Given, I was unfortunately a 13-hour plane ride away, but nonetheless it is a great opportunity to develop life skills outside of your comfort zone.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Someone who has been instrumental in getting my degree would be my mother. She has continually supported me through every endeavor I have set my heart to. She is someone who is so caring and kind and I really could not have made it here today without her pushing me to be my best self.
Alyssa Lott | Cheerleading | Loxley, Ala. | Art
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because it was different and it gave me to the opportunity to be on my own and grow as a person. The campus was beautiful and the people were great. My experience was one I don't think I could have gotten anywhere else and it has helped me in figuring out who I am and what I want in life.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory would have to be between riding the surfboard out to lead the team out on the field at football games because it is a once in a lifetime experience most people won't have and just seeing the same little kids at each game that remembered me and saw me as their "favorite" cheerleader because it reminded me I can be a role model for them and hopefully one day they can experience the things like I did here.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I'm not positive what is next for me, but I plan on doing something with my art and I want to find something that I can take to new levels of creativity and share that with others.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
The main piece of advice I would give is to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, don't let others affect your decision, and to not waste a minute of being here. It goes so fast and you should experience everything you can before you are done.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents definitely made this whole thing possible for me and made it to where I could just focus on school and being here with no extra worries. My friends also made the experience as big as it was and I couldn't have done it without them. My coach and teammates were always super supportive, encouraging and curious about my art and my major and that helped me to keep pushing towards the end.
Josh Parmenter | Swimming | San Diego, Calif. | Political Science
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I grew up in San Diego where I was either in the pool or in the ocean. Hawai'i seemed like the perfect place to combine my love for both! My experience here has been so incredible, I've made life long friends from all over the world and get to study in paradise, not much more you can ask for!
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior was 2019 MPSF Championships when the Warriors won for the first time in program history. I have never seen a group of men work so hard and have so much passion for the sport and it was so incredible to see our hard work pay off!
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I plan to go paramedic school in Hawai'i and eventually become a firefighter back in California, which has been my dream since I was a kid.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
UH is one of the most unique and incredible places to study and do athletics. There is so much diversity and opportunity to expand your horizons and make friends from all over the world. If you're worried about moving so far away from home, don't be afraid to take the leap! It's definitely worthwhile!
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I would like to thank academic advisor
Justin Clapp for helping me through my academic journey, as well as Kyle Van Duser and the ACE First Year Program for the support and family they gave me during my time as a mentor! Mahalo Nui
Mikaelah Johnson-Griggs | Women's Soccer | Beaverton, Ore. | Biology
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I appreciated the diversity within the community and the unique opportunities the island has to offer.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine was learning that we were making it to the conference tournament this year.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I'm planning on continuing my education and pursuing a career in medicine.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Don't be afraid of moving so far away from home. You'll make friends fast.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I'd like to thank the coaches I've had here at UH (Coach Bud, Marc, Ashley, and Rachel), coaches I've had prior to my collegiate career (Coach Cony, Cory, among many others), my family (Lisa, Matthew, and Dolores), and academic advisors (Penny-Bee and Courtney) for their support as I pursued my degree.
Tyler Murray | Baseball | Huntington Beach Calif. | Human Development and Family Studies
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I was offered a scholarship and it felt like home a little bit. My overall experience here has been the time of my life in which it has helped me grow as an individual, become aware of life situations, and recognize what it is like to handle everything on your own.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior was the Dairy Queen Classic in Minnesota where we ended up going 3-1 and won the tournament.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Going to school here at the University of Hawai'i has helped me find what
I wanted to do when I am done with college. I want to get into the elementary education and special education classrooms and teach kids.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would say go there if you're an outdoors person and want to explore paradise and also this place gives you a chance to test yourself if you are ready for the outside world and if you can handle being on an island alone with no family. This has made me comfortable living on my own and have definitely developed skills along the way to handle myself in the near future.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
(Academic advisor) Garret Clanin has been my rock all these years and has helped me get through college and helped me find a career path. I just want to say thank you so much G for everything you have done for me and also for putting up with my laziness as well and you helped me stay on track to get where I need to be.
Amanda Valdez | Cheerleading | Yorba Linda, Calif. | Social Work
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because it instantly felt like home. The whole island has been nothing but welcoming and friendly to me since the day I came to visit. I have loved every minute of attending this school. It has been everything I dreamed and more. I attended college in paradise with the most helpful professors and supportive athletic department.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory is cheering at the sporting events and encouraging our team as well as hearing the fans cheer them on top.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Next up in life, I plan to work in my field of choice and gain as much experience as I can. I want to learn as much as I can to be able to create policies that better benefit the populations in need.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
The advice I would give to anyone interested in UH, is that this university has so much more to offer than the amazing education. It is an experience of a lifetime.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents have been every instrumental in getting my degree. They have supported me everyday and encouraged me to keep pushing when the times were hard. I would like to tell them how grateful I am for their support and love.
#HawaiiAthletics
