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.   

Megan Lucas | Sailing | Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. | Journalism 
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose to come to UH because the people here are so genuine and nice. Also the beaches, who wouldn't want to come to UH?? I loved how everyone was so adventurous and outgoing, I enjoy hiking, diving, and surfing on weekends. UH was able to provide me with an amazing academic experience with caring and thoughtful professors. UH was everything I was looking for in a college and more. 

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory was going to Nationals in Virginia and traveling to other regattas. Sailing in the snow in Maryland was interesting. In Hawai'i I loved when the trade winds allowed us to have some fun, sail fast and race each other at practice. Sailing to Maui for the Lahaina Return with my teammates was something I will remember forever.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Following graduation I am hoping to find a job in sports reporting or working for a professional football team in some capacity. Hopefully sports will come back soon so I can make that happen!

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would say, don't overthink anything and to commit to UH. It is easily the best decision I have ever made and I wouldn't change anything about my four years here. A lot of people from the mainland think you will get "island fever" but that never happened to me. Hawai'i is full of opportunities, unique experiences, great people and beautiful places. You won't regret it.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My family has been instrumental in helping me get my degree and support me through all my endeavors at UH. My older brother Blake was able to help me pick my classes, and give me advice on jobs and internships along the way. He graduated from Boise State in 2017 so he knew how to help navigate me through college! My parents have provided me with a platform to succeed and an amazing opportunity to attend UH, so far away from home, but hopefully they are glad that they did :) I would want to say thank you to them for everything they have done for me, not only the last four years, but my entire life! Hopefully I have made my family proud!
 

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Trevor Hirata | Men's Golf | Hilo, Hawai'i | Molecular Cell Biology 
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because it was close to home, I had made a good connection with Coach Ronn (Miyashiro), and I felt like playing for UH would be a good fit for me. My overall experience was amazing. I loved and enjoyed my time being a student-athlete at UH. 
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
There isn't a particular memory that stands out, but when I think about these past four years, I think I'll miss the lasting friendships that I've built, and just the dynamic of being a part of a team and all the things that came with it. 
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
My competitive golfing career will most likely end with college, as I set out to realize my dream of becoming a doctor. 
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
If they were interested in playing athletically for UH, I would tell them to keep working hard at perfecting their craft, and to make the most of the entire process.
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
There are so many people that have helped me throughout my college career, my family, my teammates, Coach Ronn, (Academic advisor) Garrett (Clanin), and so many others. I would like to express my gratitude to all those involved for their part in helping me get to where I am. 
 

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Alexis Mata | Women's Soccer | Woodland Calif. | MEd Special Education
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose Hawai'i for the experience, location, and the culture. On my official visit I got a little taste of what it was like being a student-athlete here. These athletes were not only representing a school but also the state. Being able to play the game I loved, at the level I always dreamed of, in paradise was just an offer I couldn't refuse. I will always consider Hawai'i a home and I look forward to many visits in the future. 
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory was my entire senior season. My team made history getting to the Big West tournament for the first time in program history, but it wasn't just that single accomplishment; it was the entire journey, and I am extremely grateful to have been a part of it. 
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
My current career goals are to continue to play soccer at the highest level possible. I have my sights set on playing overseas in Spain this coming summer and have been working very hard towards that goal.
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Some advice would be to just give this place a chance, come in open-minded, and embrace everything this island has to offer. 
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I could not have completed my undergrad and began my Master's degree without the full support of my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who works in the Nagatani Center. Truly amazing people! 
 

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Samantha Malouff | Water Polo | Riverside, Calif. | Human Development and Family Studies (major); Education (minor)
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because of the people. I had amazing teammates from all over the world. I was able to learn more about their cultures and the Hawaiian culture. My overall experience at UH was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It gave me the chance to grow as a person and move to a beautiful place. 
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memories as a Rainbow Wahine was practicing at the DKAC and seeing amazing rainbows.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Next I will be moving to Ohio to start my career as an elementary school teacher. 
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Advice I would give to someone interested in UH would be to go. Moving to Hawai'i was an awesome experience and I made great memories.
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My mother has been instrumental in helping me achieve my academic goals. Her constant support and constructive criticism has pushed me to become a better person. I would like to thank her for all of the big and small things she does for me daily. I would also like to thank Carmen Baringo for being the best roommate and teammate anyone could ask for. I couldn't have done it without them. 
 

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Rika Okino | Women's Volleyball | Honoulu, O'ahu | Civil Engineering
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I wanted to play for Coach Dave Shoji and be a part of the historic program that I grew up watching. I knew that I would be playing alongside some of the best and challenged every day in the gym. My overall experience was amazing. Now that it is over, I look back on my journey as one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. 

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory was Senior Night because I got to play in front of a sold out Stan Sheriff Center crowd, celebrate our Big West Conference title with my coaches and teammates, commemorate the end of a historic season with my fellow seniors, and hug all of my loved ones who made it out to watch me, all in one night.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
After graduation, I will be working as a full-time civil engineer for Wilson Okamoto Corporation, a private civil engineering consulting firm located in Honolulu. My career aspiration is to influence the field of engineering within our community by inspiring the youth to pursue the field.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice would be to set your goals high. Keep your eyes on the prize until you reach them. It is important to know when to be patient and when to be aggressive when pursuing your goals. 

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I would like to thank my family because they have sacrificed so much for me over the years. Without their unwavering support, none of this could have ever happened. I would also like to thank my civil engineering buddies for always helping me get up to speed in my classes after being away on road trips.