University of Hawai'i Athletics would like to recognize the Fall Class of 2021, who due to the pandemic, will have the option to participate in hybrid graduation ceremonies. Below are stories of some of our current and former student-athletes set to receive their degrees.

 

PAYTON AWAYA   |   FOOTBALL   |   HONOLULU, O'AHU   |   HUMAN DEV. & FAMILY STUDIES

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?  
I chose to attend the University of Hawai'i because I'm born and raised in the islands and it was always a dream of mine to be a student-athlete here. I also could not see myself living somewhere other than Hawai'i. 
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory is a hard question because I made so many great memories here both as a student and as an athlete. If I had to choose one it would be my first time running out of the tunnel on a gameday as a Warrior. 
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Right now I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do after this semester but I'm looking into being a counselor back at my high school (Kalani High School) and doing that to become a football coach as well. 
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice would be to take advantage of the warm weather and being surrounded by beaches. School gets stressful at times so the beach is always a great escape from that. Also just enjoy it, make some friends, and build your relationships for your future. 
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Well, first off my family. They have been a huge factor in helping me get my degree. Not only were they a support system for me because I live with them but they are also paying for my school so I'm more than grateful for them sacrificing and working hard for me to achieve this. 
 

JANELLE GONG   |   WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL   |   MORAGA, CALIF.   |   ANIMAL SCIENCES

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?   
I chose UH because of the volleyball legacy and what made it even better was already knowing people who go to the school and highly recommended the experience.
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite volleyball memory was getting a dig kill against Cal Poly in 2018 at home.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I plan on pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Be open to new experiences and learning opportunities and enjoy yourself.
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My family and friends have really helped push me to get my degree and I would really like to thank them for always believing in me and continuously encouraging me to be the best person I can be. 
 

NAWAI KAUPE   |   SOFTBALL   |   WAILUKU, MAUI   |   SOCIOLOGY

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?   
I chose UH Mānoa because I wanted to be closer to my ʻohana. The perk of being close to home was that my ʻohana was able to witness my growth as a collegiate student-athlete. 
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
No brainer -  I love giving back to my community by coaching somewhere. My career aspiration is to be a high school athletics director. Sports has been a turning point in my life, and I would love to share my manaʻo and experiences with other young student-athletes from all sports.  

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
If youʻre from Hawaiʻi and interested in going to UH Mānoa, appreciate everything around you--like the food, your childhood friends, family, the ʻāina, beaches, etc. I had to learn how to appreciate my home by going away for two years. I didn't realize that my growth as a person belonged at home, here in Hawaiʻi nei. 
If youʻre a non-Hawai'i resident, then get to know Hawaiʻi history and culture because it is important to understand who and what you represent when attending UH Mānoa. It's an institution that not all locals have the opportunity to attend. All in all, itʻs definitely a privilege to go to UH Mānoa
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
The most instrumental and the backbone helping me to graduate is my entire Kaupe ʻOhana--my parents (Joy and Napa Kaupe), my grandma (Mercedes Cabatingan), and my two brothers (Bula and Branden Kaupe). I wouldnʻt have become the person that I am today if it weren't for their consistent love and support and encouragement. Mahalo to the lord who planted 'choke' amazing people in my life who have helped guide me on a path to all glory and that that glory belongs to him. Mahalo!! 
 

BOJANA MARKOVIC  |  WOMEN'S TENNIS  |  BELGRADE, SERBIA  |  HUMAN DEV. & FAMILY STUDIES

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?   
I chose UH because of its location and because of my head coach. Jun (Hernandez) was one of the main reasons I've decided to come to UH because he was honest and I really liked the way he was thinking and communicating with his players.
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine was the first time we all went to regionals in 2019. It was our first official trip and I really got to know everyone better and was really happy to be a part of the team.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I want to be a tennis coach for now. I am working at the moment and we'll see how it goes. I really like working with kids who want to become professional tennis players one day.
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
UH is a great place to come study and play sports. There are so many wonderful things someone can do and you just never get tired of the views.
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
The whole academics team and athletics team were instrumental in helping me get my degree. I would like to thank everyone and I really wish everyone the best of luck. 
 

JARED SMART   |   FOOTBALL   |   DUBLIN, CALIF.   |   SOCIOLOGY

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?    
It was a great place for me to learn and grow as a man and to have an even better understanding of family and pride. It was a great experience. I'll remember it as the best times of my life and I will definitely be back soon. 
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
Winning the 2019 Hawai'i Bowl against BYU.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I will be training for the NFL after the season.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
To understand the values that have been on the island for as long as you can think and to to help and respect everyone.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My mom and dad have been instrumental in helping me get this degree. They have made my life easy so I can focus on my schoolwork and aspirations to the best of my abilities and through their love. 
 

SKYLER WILLIAMS  |  W. VOLLEYBALL  |  BELLFLOWER, CALIF.  |  HUMAN DEV. & FAMILY STUDIES

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?   
I had never ever lived or been to Hawai'i, but I wanted a new environment, not to mention to be coached by and playing with the best. The love of volleyball on the island was undeniable.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
Winning the Big West Championships in 2019 and 2021, as well as all the team bonding.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I want to move back home and continue to be integrated in the volleyball community by coaching while working on obtaining a teaching degree. I plan on being a 3rd grade teacher in public schools.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Just do it. You won't regret the memories, the friendships you make, and the beautiful views on the island.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My family has pushed me to stay motivated and always reminds me of my end goal in life. I want to tell them thank you for being my rock.