University of Hawai'i Athletics would like to recognize the Fall Class of 2021, who, due to the pandemic, had 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.

 

PARKER HYMER-COSTA   |   MEN'S SWIMMING & DIVING   |   MONTEREY, CALIF.   |   PUBLIC HEALTH

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
The main reason I came to UH was to swim for a program that I believe was the best fit for me. The diversity of the school and endless lifestyle options also made it a very easy decision. My overall experience at UH  has been everything I could have wished for. I have  learned a lot about myself and how special it is to be a Rainbow Warrior and represent the state of Hawai'i.   

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior has to be winning my first conference ring my junior year. The experiences and emotions from that meet is something I will remember my entire life.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I plan on working for the city and county as an ocean safety lifeguard. I also plan on attaining an internship with a local organization that works on combating microplastics in our oceans.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
The key to success in college is finding balance in everything you do. Whether you're a student athlete or not, making time for yourself and enjoying things that bring you peace will allow you to be the best possible version of yourself. I also recommend immersing yourself into the culture while being open minded and respectful of everywhere you go.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I want to give a special thank you to my mom and dad for supporting and believing in every decision I have made in the past four years. Your devotion to my success does not go unnoticed and it has shaped me into the person I strive to be.
 

KANATA IREI   |   MEN'S GOLF   |   OKINAWA, JAPAN   |   JAPANESE

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
Hawai'i is a great place to play golf and it reminds me of home. I had great coaches and teammates at UH and tournaments were always competitive, which I enjoyed. I had fun and learned so many things.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
I liked traveling to the mainland for tournaments. Traveling with my teammates was really fun and I made a lot of good memories.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I'm going back home to Okinawa and I might play golf professionally. I also hope to apply my degree in the business field.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would say try to relate what you learn in class to the real world. You can apply everything you learn to your life.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My academic advisor, Garrett Clanin. Without him, I don't think I would have known what classes to take in order to graduate this year.
 

NOA KAMANA   |   FOOTBALL   |   KANE'OHE, O'AHU   |   NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I wanted to represent my home and be closer to family. 
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory is running out of the tunnel for the first time at Aloha Stadium.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Starting grad school while I play my last year of eligibility. Hoping to have a career in land management in Hawai'i.
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Advice I would give someone thinking about UH is that UH provides a great college experience. 
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My family has been my biggest supporters throughout college and I couldn't have been able to get my degree without them.
 

MORGAN MEZA   |   SOCCER   |   LOS ALAMITOS, CALIF.   |   BUSINESS MARKETING & MANAGEMENT

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I felt the program encapsulated the idea of family. I'm so lucky to have met so many amazing people that have become lifelong friends!

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
Being able to play and score my first collegiate goal at Long Beach State in front of my family and friends was super memorable and something I'll always remember since I grew up playing on the same field.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Moving to the east coast, DC area, to maybe pursue more school but for now just looking to explore my options.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
We definitely have a harder time than a lot of schools with so much traveling. It's definitely something that we need to stay on top off since traveling is so often and a 5+ hour flight away.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Having friends and teammates in a lot of classes has been helpful for a lot of us, it allows us to keep each other accountable and use each other as resources.
 

JEREMIAH PRITCHARD    |    FOOTBALL    |    LEONE, AMERICAN SAMOA    |    SOCIOLOGY

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose Hawai'i because of the environment and culture of family everywhere. I experienced a lot during my time here but overall it taught me to be a better version of myself.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My all-time favorite memory would be the win over San Diego State here at home to secure our chance at the Mountain West Championship Game.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I hope that football is still my next chapter but if not I want to be a coach and use the knowledge I have to give back to the next generation and the future of the sport.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice I would give is to just embrace Hawai'i for everything it has to offer. From the weather to the people to the lifestyle to every experience.