University of Hawai'i Athletics would like to recognize the Spring Class of 2022, who will be earning their degrees in three graduation ceremonies this weekend. Below are stories of some of our current and former student-athletes set to receive their degrees. (This is Part One of Three)

ANDY ARCHER   |   BASEBALL   |   PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA.   |   MASTER'S OF SCIENCE - FINANCE

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I believed in the vision Coach Hill has for the program; to experience a new community and culture; and to pursue a great Master's Degree.  My experience here has been far better than I even thought possible. My teammates are the toughest and most driven group of guys that I have ever played with. And representing Hawai'i is my proudest accomplishment in my entire baseball career.
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior/Wahine?
My favorite tradition is, every time we win a game, we play the song "Dixieland Delight" either in the locker room (home) or bus (away) and Connor Harrison gets in front of the team and plays the imaginary fiddle like his life depends on it.  My favorite memory is showing up to the USC game super late because of traffic, and basically playing the game without stretching or throwing at all. We ended up scoring nine runs and winning the game and I got to close the game pitching the eighth and ninth innings.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am hoping to continue playing baseball professionally. If I am unable to, I hope to join a local architecture firm here in Hawai'i with my hanai family whose mission is to clean up the world, building schools, hospitals, and research facilities in a sustainable fashion that make the world a better place. 
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I tell anyone interested in UH that I don't think it is necessarily the best fit for everyone, but is a perfect fit for someone who has a great work ethic, is respectful and willing to learn a new culture, and is selfless and a great teammate!
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Definitely my parents back in Georgia. They always pushed on me the importance of education and doing great in school. Growing up, I watched my dad take night classes for years on top of working full time to provide for our family to get his Master's Degree. When he finished, he used his degree to do something he loves and impact the next generation as a teacher, writing his own class and becoming a department chair at his school. As I finish up my own Master's Degree, I hope to follow in my dad's footsteps and use my education to make the islands of Hawai'i better for the people that call it "home".
 
PS: This picture is with my hanai family, a local family who lives here in Hawai'i who has adopted me, I live with them
 

JEMMA BAIRD   |   WOMEN'S SAILING   |   TUCSON, ARIZ.   |   ANIMAL SCIENCES

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I originally chose UH for the world renowned Marine Sciences department. Although I ultimately chose to be an Animal Sciences major, I've gotten to participate in spinner dolphin research with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) my senior year of college. Sailing was also a factor of mine. I wanted to go to a school that allowed me to work with all of my passions. 

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine was traveling to Florida with the team for a week. We got to see a city and beaches we've never been to and I also bonded with my teammates.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am in the process of applying to Veterinary schools on the mainland. I will be taking a gap year in Hawai'i. I will be spending my time working in aquaculture and a clinical setting to grow in my career. 

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice would be to go with your gut when choosing the school you want to go to. If you end up coming to UH be present and take in every waking moment until it's gone. 

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My professor Jenee Odani, has been instrumental in helping me get my degree. She has motivated me to stick with Animal Sciences and athletics, because there have been times where it has been a struggle to juggle both. Thank you for having an open ear and having patience with me. I appreciate you more than you know. 
   

KATE BORSZ   |   TRACK & FIELD   |   SPARKS, NEV.   |   SOCIAL WORK

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I choose UH because I wanted to continue my college athletic career while also earning a degree from the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work. I would not have changed my decision to come to Hawai'i.
My overall experience has been something I will never forget. There were many challenges that I have had to overcome…however when I look at the bigger picture, they were so small. I will be forever grateful I got to live, learn, and train in such a beautiful place.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
This is a hard question because I've made so many amazing memories here. One of my favorite memories is being able to represent the state of Hawai'i proudly no matter where we go, I could always feel the Aloha Spirit.  
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I plan on taking a year off from school and going back next year for my Master's. I believe in advocating for those most vulnerable. In my career, I would love to change and challenge the stigma that sports have about mental health.
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
If you have the opportunity to go to UH, do it. You will not regret the friendships and memories created. When taking the opportunity, it's important to stay open-minded and have the willingness to learn about the land and culture.
 

MAX BURMAN   |   MEN'S DIVING   |   HUSVARNA, SWEDEN   |   MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
My experience at UH has been great! I've had an amazing time the past four years.
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior/Wahine?
I do not really have one specific memory, but I would have to say all of the fun practices with my teammates over the years
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Next year I am moving to Texas to go to graduate school at TCU where I am going to study Business Analytics 
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would tell them to go for it, it is a great place to study and an amazing place to live
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Justin Clapp, my academic advisor has been a big help to me during my degree, and I would tell him "thank you" for all of the help during these years
   

KAELI BUSH   |   SOFTBALL   |   SALINAS, CALIF.   |    KINESIOLOGY AND REHABILITATION SCIENCE

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because my dad is from Hawai'i and I wanted to reconnect with my roots. So for these reasons it was my dream school from a young age. 
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine was getting to be part of Hawai'i softball history by sweeping Cal State Fullerton in our final homestand. Also listening to Sandstorm any time coach Bob was pitching during batting practice. 

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Next for me is to catch up on a few hours of internships to be able to further my career in PA school. I'd love to continue this eventually but first I'm planning on becoming an EMT this summer (for the hours).

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Some advice I would give would be to understand the history of Hawai'i. It is an incredible journey that the Hawaiian people had to go through but at the end of the day we still stand proud. I'd also like to say that making it out to sunrise or sunset will not disappoint, so if you get the opportunity make it happen. 

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents and family have helped me so much in getting my degree. I want to thank them for that. I'd also like to thank Coach Dee and Penny-Bee for helping to keep me on track and always offering extra support if I needed it. 
  

MATE COLINA   |   MEN'S BASKETBALL   |   MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA   |    HUMAN DEVELOPMENT & FAMILY STUDIES

Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH as it was a place that I thought would be a perfect fit for me. My overall experience was amazing.

What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite moment as Rainbow Warrior was beating UC Irvine at home during the Covid season.

What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am going to play in the Australian Football League (AFL) for the Richmond Tigers. My future career aspirations are to work as a Player Development and Well-Being Coordinator with a professional sporting team. 

What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
UH is a special place. Make the most of everything the islands have to offer.

Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Kari, my academic advisor and Mark have been influential in helping me stay on track with my academics and keeping me at a high standard. Also, my family for always supporting me. I would like to say thank you and I appreciated everything they've helped me along my journey.