University of Hawai'i Athletics would like to recognize the Class of 2021, who due to the pandemic, will not be able to participate in a traditional commencement ceremony. Below are stories of some of our current and former student-athletes set to receive their degrees.
Zoey Akagi-Bustin
Women's Golf
Wahiawā, O'ahu
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
When I was looking at different schools while going through the transferring process UH stood out to me because I'd get the chance to be back home with my family and have the opportunity to play where I grew up while representing Hawai'i. I had the best two years here at UH and I'm glad that I got to end my college career on such a high note with people I can now call life-long friends.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory has to be from this past year at Kā'anapali. I played really well in that tournament but more importantly I had fun. Thinking back at my over all golf career I can't think of a time where I was smiling and laughing more and genuinely enjoying golf. Due to Covid we were able to play with our teammates and getting that extra encouragement on a good shot or an extra laugh made that tournament one I'll never forget.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
After graduation I plan on living in Hawai'i and working at Pearl Harbor as an engineer there.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I honestly made some of my best memories here. I had such a great support system and everyone here cares about you not just how you're doing in sports but in every aspect of your life and that's something hard to find at other school.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My mom has been a great person to look up to my whole life. She played college and professional tennis so she knew what it took to balance school, sports, and outside life. I always knew when times got hard whether in golf or the classroom I could go to her for advice. There are no words that I can say that can compare to the amount that she's done for me to get me where I am today and I owe her more than a million thank yous.
Barbara Rangel 
Women's Basketball
Ventura, Calif.
Major: Economics
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I wanted to experience a different culture and I really enjoyed the change of pace. I couldn't have asked for a better college experience. I grew so much in my two years.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory would be beating Texas last year in 2019 in front of our home crowd at the Stan Sheriff.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am looking forward to getting a start in my career. I want to be a financial manager eventually so taking the steps necessary to help get me there.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
If you have the opportunity to come to UH, do it! It has been so amazing to experience all the Aloha, you really can't get it anywhere else.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My family has all had a huge part of me being here and encouraging me every step of the way. I am so thankful for them.
Emily Klee
Softball
Placentia CA
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies - Sports and Leisure Management; Minor in Communicology
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because it has been my dream school since I was a little girl because this is where my family came from. My overall experience was amazing, there aren't words to describe my four years here other than once in a lifetime. You can't find another school that can give what UH has given me.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
One of my favorite memories as a Rainbow Wahine was a beach camp out with my team as a team bonding my freshman year. Spending the night playing games with my teammates on the beach is a memory I look back on often with my friends.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
After I graduate I want to take in the island I called home for the past four years. I want to explore all the places I haven't found yet around the island. I hope to pursue a master's degree soon to help me in my career choice for the future. As a career aspiration, I want to stay involved in sports and work in collegiate athletics with my end goal being a head coach at a university.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would tell anyone interested in UH to take that leap and dive headfirst. UH is an amazing school and has so much to offer their students. There is always something going on here that you will enjoy. The culture of Hawai'i is something you can't find at any other school you could attend
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Along the way I have had an incredible support staff. I would like to say thank you to my coaches, athletic and strength trainers, academic advisors, and teammates for always pushing me to be my best. To my parents, thank you for supporting me along this incredible journey. Your love and support means everything to me. Lastly to my Granny, thank you for teaching me that I can do anything I put my mind to. You're the reason I keep pushing to succeed.
Karin Sasaki
Track and Field - Pole Vault
Torrance, Calif.
Major: Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science in Health and Exercise
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?:
I chose UH because I wanted to live outside of my comfort zone. Traveling thousands of miles away and integrating myself to a whole new culture was a challenge but I have never regretted it. My overall experience had both peaks and valleys but it taught me a lot about myself and looking back, I am grateful for the experience.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?:
I am so grateful for all of the memories I have made with some of the best people. My favorite memories were Saturday practices when the whole team would be out on the track grinding away. Vaulting, running, jumping, throwing all happening at once while at the same time everyone rooting each other on while listening to some pump up songs. It's an environment like none other and it was motivating to be surrounded by my hard working team.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?:
I will be working full time at a hospital in California as a rehabilitation aide and planning on pursuing a DPT to become a physical therapist.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?:
You'll never truly know if it's the place for you unless you try. So my advice for future prospects is to be open-minded and be up for whatever this island has to offer.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My family and friends have been key components in my pursuit of obtaining my degree. Their unwavering support has been my motivation. I am so grateful for all of the love they have given me even being so far away.
Calli-Ann Abbott
Powell River, B.C., Canada
Track & Field – Heptathlon, Jumps, Hurdles
Major: Family and Community Services
Why did I choose UH and what was my overall experience?:
I chose UH because it felt like the right fit for me. Being around all the different people and cultures made me fall in love with the school and the Island.
What is my favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?:
My favorite memory is all the adventures we would have as a team while on travel trips, like going sightseeing in California because we had never been there before. Travel trips with my team were always fun and always full of great memories.
What is next for you? What are your career aspirations?:
I have a job starting June 15th at Pali View Baptist Preschool here in Kāne'ohe. I plan to be a preschool teacher for the rest of my life and start working to be a track and field coach as well.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would say don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?:
My parents have been the most instrumental, they are the biggest reason I was able to attend University. I would like to thank them for always believing in me and supporting me through all my life decisions.
