University of Hawai'i Athletics would like to recognize the Fall Class of 2022, who earned their degrees at graduation on Saturday. Below are stories of some of our current and former student-athletes set to receive their degrees. (This is Part One of Two)
| BRAELYN AKANA | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL | HAU'ULA, O'AHU | BACHELOR'S OF ARTS, PSYCHOLOGY, MINOR: COMMUNICOLOGY |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose you UH for a variety of reasons. My main reason was to play in front of my home and the people that I love. I was shown so much love and support throughout these four years and my experience has been more than I could have ever imagined. I had a great experience here at UH and I am truly blessed and so grateful to be a part of such a strong legacy. I have made so many great relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am deciding if I would like to get my Masters Degree or start my career working for a sports agency.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
To come and enjoy the experiences here. I would tell them to live in the present and have fun with good people!
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
The list of people who have been instrumental in helping me get my degree goes on and on. If I were to focus on one specific person it would be my best friend/sister for life, Amber Igiede. Amber has been a rock for me since freshman year. She has helped me through the hard times and has celebrated my victories! I would like to tell Amber that I love her and I appreciate her for ALWAYS being by my side, no matter what!
| KAMUELA BORDEN | FOOTBALL | PEARL CITY, O'AHU | BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?I chose UH to represent my home and my family. I love these islands and our culture and I've always wanted to be a Warrior since I was a kid. My overall experience was surreal, I was able to meet so many good people and friends that I'll remember for the rest of my life. The life lessons from football and from the example my coaches set are something I can always reflect on and learn from.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory is definitely my last home game where my entire family, parents, brothers, sisters, wife and baby, and even some cousins were able to come watch me play for the last time.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
As far as careers go, I'll be looking to start a career in the engineering field. Something that will allow me and my family to stay here in Hawaiʻi.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I'd say come and see for yourself what a blessing it is to go to school in paradise. There's no place on earth like it.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
If there's any one person that was instrumental in helping me get my degree, it would be my wife. She's the one that kept me focused, gave me motivation, and gave me purpose to do the best I could in both school and football. I just hope she knows how grateful I am for her and how much I love her.
| MYLANA BYRD | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL | HOUSTON, TEXAS | BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE, BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH for the opportunity to get better as a volleyball player under Coach Robyn. I also came to understand how much of a role volleyball plays a part in the culture here in the islands--something I wanted to be a part of. My overall experience has been wonderful! I have made lifelong connections and been accepted in a state and culture that didn't need to accept me. I will forever be grateful to the UH fans and aloha spirit that was given to me.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior/Wahine?
My most memorable moment as a Rainbow Wahine is probably the first game of my first season. I remember I started, had a great game, and I got the tv interview at the end of the match. I felt so proud of myself and happy to be a part of UH volleyball. Circle to senior night the next and last time I had a tv interview to be able to look at how far I've come. To remember all the connections I've made along the way. Thank you teammates, I love y'all.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I hope to pursue a career overseas. After my volleyball career is over, I hope to earn a master's degree in BE and/or start my professional career either in Hawaii or Texas. I am interested in wastewater treatment, biofuels, prosthetics, bioremediation, and much more! I am always looking for new projects or jobs!
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Do it! It is a huge leap of faith if you are from the mainland, but personally I have met my best friends, amazing mentors, and lifelong coaches. Nothing is for everyone, but my decision to come to UH was the best of my life. Make the most of everything.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I have so many people to thank for helping me along my journey. Thank you to all my professors and teachers throughout my college, high school, middle, and elementary school years. I would like to thank Ryan Kurasaki, my professor and mentor, for pushing me to challenge myself, keep focused, and hold myself accountable. Thank you to Kari for being my academic advisor over the past three years. I would also like to thank my coaches- Coach Rob, Coach Kaleo, and Coach Nick for allowing me to pursue my degree and feel supported. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for providing me with opportunities that not everyone is blessed with, loving me, and supporting me. Thank you to me for pushing through any bumps, staying the course, and believing that "everything is always working out for me."
| MIKAELA GANDIA-MAK | SOFTBALL | SAN CLEMENTE, CALIF. | BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE, KiNESIOLOGY & REHABILITATION SCIENCE |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
One of the reasons that I chose UH was that I wanted to learn more about Asian/Pacific cultures. Being able to go to school in a place where those beliefs and values are taught, encouraged, and praised has made me even more proud to embrace and represent my own culture.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior/Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine has to be my senior night game against Cal State Fullerton. We had just completed our third and final win of the series and ended the night with an amazing graduation ceremony right on the field. It was a very special and touching moment where my family, friends, and teammates got to see us seniors hang up our cleats for the last time.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I plan on taking some time off to gain more hours and experience in the medical field. Once I do this, I plan on applying for graduate school so that I can become a Physician Assistant.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice would be to make sure to learn and understand the history and culture of Hawaii before coming here. Be open-minded and respectful when it comes to the land and environment. If you do end up coming here, make sure to take the time to enjoy the little moments before it's all over.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My dad is 100% the reason why I am here today. I cannot be more thankful for how much time and effort he set aside into helping me earn this opportunity to go to a college playing a sport that I love.
| DALLAS MILLWOOD | SOFTBALL | MILILANI, O'AHU | BA, INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES - FOCUS: CRIMINAL JUSTICE; MINOR: SOCIOLOGY; EMPHASIS: CRIMINOLOGY |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?I chose UH because I wanted to show the pride I have for my home state. Being able to play for my community is such an amazing feeling. I love that my family and loved ones get to come to games rather than having to fly to watch me compete. I also think the culture here is what makes it special, there is no place like Hawai'i and being at home makes me feel complete.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior/Wahine?
My favorite memory has to be making history on my birthday by hitting a walk off homerun against Cal State Fullerton to sweep them for the first time in program history. There is nothing like making the turn at third and running home to your teammates while your parents are jumping up and down in the stands while your walkout song is blasting!
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am going to get a job with my degree in criminal justice and try to either go straight into a full-time job or get an internship with a department that I am highly interested in.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
There is always a home for you and choosing Hawai'i is a great choice! I was not interested until I went away for a year but once I realized I wanted to come home, there was a spot for me. All the teams are big families and I recommend joining an ohana. For those who are not from here, learn the culture and you will have a deeper understanding and appreciation and for those who are from here, welcome those who are traveling and make the opportunities you have great.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents, James and Arlette Millwood have always been my backbone and support system. I'd like to thank them for always pushing me to be my best because not only did I get to play the sport I loved because of them, I got to do it while finished my education. They helped me with my lows and celebrated with me during my highs and I am forever grateful for them and all that they have sacrificed.
| FO'I SHAW | FOOTBALL | KĀNE'OHE, O'AHU | BACHELOR'S OF ARTS, SOCIOLOGY |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I wanted to be home. After getting to attend camps and clinics across the mainland, there was no place like being here with my family. My experience has been nothing short of amazing.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior would have to be getting to be on the field, suited up for the very first time. It was like a dream come true.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Post graduation I have a year of eligibility and plan on staying here at Mānoa to play and work towards a second bachelor's. There is no place like Hawai'i. My career aspirations include something in Law Enforcement, maybe joining the Honolulu Police Department or a similar entity.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice is to take a chance and go with where your heart is. If your heart says be close to home, stay here and forge ahead. There has been so much good that has come from being here.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
There are a few people who were instrumental in me getting my degree, first being my Adoptive Mom (My Aunty Jaimee Shaw) who went all in on me, went back to school to show me anything is possible and even works on campus to be there for anything I need. Second being my Aunty Toni and Uncle John (My adoptive Mom's parents) they have given me everything I need to be successful and more, even paying tuition for me and doing anything they can to make sure I am always taken care of. Lastly, my advisors in the Nagatani Academic Center and coaches. From my first Coach, Nick Rolovich and my current Coach, Timmy Chang and their respective staff – they have given me opportunities I could have only dreamed of. Without any of these people I wouldn't be who I am today and where I am today. I love you all and I'm looking forward to an exciting 2023 season as a Warrior with the Braddahhood.
