Women's volleyball student-athlete Kirsten Sibley reflects on her time at the University of Hawai'i, as a member of the nationally ranked Rainbow Wahine volleyball team to internships in the field of broadcast journalism, which she is an aspiring sports reporter.

Name: Kirsten Sibley
Hometown: Lafayette, Calif.
Sport: Women's Volleyball
Major/Minor: Journalism and Communications
 
Q: When you reflect on your time as a student-athlete at the University of Hawai'i, what is your biggest takeaway?
KS: I am so fortunate. Not only to have the opportunity to play college sports but to do so in such an incredible and unique place. This University has challenged me and has brought out characteristics that I had never before recognized in myself. I truly discovered myself and my potential here in Hawai'i and have a clear vision of my career goals. I am so excited for my next chapter in life and I feel confident because of the preparation UH has given me.
 
Q: Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
KS: UH was the best volleyball program that offered me a scholarship. I wanted to try something new and moving to Hawai'i sounded quite appealing to me.
 
Q: What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
KS: Going to the NCAA each year and all the road trips with my teammates and coaches. I feel as though we really bonded during these trips and had so many great laughs and memories.

 
Q: Is there a memory that sticks out to you that you enjoy telling others about from your time at UH?
KS: Selling out the Stan Sheriff my Junior and Senior years were by far the most memorable. The energy from both of those games was unreal and I get chills just thinking about it.

Q: To you, what made Rainbow Wahine Volleyball so good during your time with the program?
KS: I believe the transition from Dave Shoji to Robyn Ah Mow was an extremely exciting time period to be part of such a historic program. I believe a lot of our success was due to having fans who supported and believed in us throughout it all. Not a lot of programs can continue a legacy of greatness without faltering through adversity. Knowing the expectations our new coach had and the pride we took in representing a state that supported us no matter what made us successful.
 
Q: You were a part of four straight NCAA Tournament teams, what was that experience like for you?
KS: I grew up watching March Madness and was so inspired by those athletes because it always felt like they represented so much more than just their schools. To experience that first hand as part of the Wahine and go to the tournament fulfilled all of my expectations however, what I cherish more are the moments that most people didn't see. The grind in the gym, being surrounded by such amazing teammates, and all of the challenges that came first is what made going to the tournament even sweeter!

 
Q: Is there a season you enjoyed more than any others? If so, which year and why?
KS: I wouldn't say there was a year that I enjoyed more so. I think each season had great highs and lessons to be learned!
 
Q: Outside of being a student-athlete you began your post playing career as a broadcaster and a journalist. What inspired you to go that route?
KS: Originally I was a Communications: Media Arts major because I enjoyed creating media content and promotions. I started an internship with UH Media Relations where they started me with the Rainbow Roundup. I ended up LOVING it and proceeded to add journalism as my second major! I still do enjoy being a multimedia content creator and however I find broadcast journalism more challenging!
 
Q: You started popping up on social media doing the weekly Rainbow Roundup for UH Athletics, what was that experience like for you?
KS: It was so unexpected at first! Neal (Iwamoto), Eric (Mathews), and Derek (Inouchi) brought the idea to me and at first I was very hesitant to put myself in front of the camera and was stressed out on shoot day! But as each week went by I found myself getting more and more into it!! Eric started giving more responsibility with my scripts and I suddenly I was looking forward to those Monday mornings! I just feel grateful that UH Media Relations believed in me! (and trust me- my first time going in front of the camera…..well letʻs just say that THANK goodness that the take never saw Instagram!)



Q: What led to your internship with Hawai'i News Now?
KS: After falling into reporting with the Rainbow Roundup, I realized that I had a passion for broadcast journalism! I ended up contacting HNN during my last semester and was so happy when they took me on their team!
 
Q: What responsibilities did you have at your internship?
KS: During the weeks I would shadow reporters on locations while they went LIVE. Some days I would go out with just a photographer to cover a story and get a sound bite for the news cast that night. Each day I would write web articles that would be posted onto their official site, as well as rough drafts for the TV scripts. On the weekends, I would have little more responsibility as I helped out Kainoa Carlson at sporting events.
 
Q: What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
KS: My career goal is to follow broadcast journalism as a sports reporter. I love sports and believe there's a story behind each athlete deserving to be heard and I want to be part of the platform that shares it. Eventually I would love to become a spokesperson for women's athletics.



Q: What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
KS: My advice to anyone interested in coming to UH is to pack your bag and hop on a plane already!!! UH is an extraordinary institution that has really molded me into the person I am today. I have grown so much over the course of four years and I am excited for the future that UH has prepared me for!
 
Q: Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
KS: My family has always had my back and given me every resource and opportunity to be the best version of myself. They are a constant reminder of what it means to be courageous, confident, and true to myself. I love them unconditionally and am so grateful to be blessed with their support.