University of Hawai'i Athletics would like to congratulate and recognize the Class of 2023. Below are stories of some of our current and former student-athletes who earned their degrees this spring/summer.
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| KELSIE GRANT |  SAILING  |  PALOS VERDES, CALIF.  |  MAJOR: COMMUNICATION, MINOR: ANTHROPOLOGY, CERTIFICATE: MARINE OPTION PROGRAM |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH for the sailing team and surfing. Overall the last four years have been some of the best moments of my life. I am so thankful for the sailing team and the instant family it gave me. As well as my life long friends I met in the dorms.Â
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What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine was winning the Port of L.A. Harbor Cup 2023 regatta. We raced on Catalina 37s. It is the only keel boat regatta we participate in. Our crew work as a team really came together. It was such a legendary weekend especially winning at my home yacht club.Â
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What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
After graduating my plans are to travel throughout French Polynesia. My career aspirations are to work for an ocean based company in the media marketing department.Â
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What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Going to UH is such a unique experience. I feel like you have to make the most out of every opportunity and be motivated. I spent more time in the ocean than I did in a classroom.Â
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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 in helping me complete my degree. They have been so supported throughout all four years. Especially during COVID-19 when there was so many unknowns. I am so thankful for them!
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| KYLIN LOKER  |  BEACH VOLLEYBALL |  CARLSBAD, CALIF.  |  MAJOR: GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT, CERTIFICATE IN GIS |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH initially because of the people and the place. The team and coaches were so welcoming and really made it feel like I was a part of the 'ohana from day one and there is no place like Hawai'i. The beauty of this land is incomparable to anything I had ever experienced.Â
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
One fun memory from this season has to be when my team beat Long Beach State this year in Laguna Beach and it came down to my court to decide the dual win. When we won that game, everyone stormed the court and that feeling is just so special! We have had a few of those times this year and they are all so special especially when they are against top ranked teams or rivals.Â
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am going to be moving back to San Diego to start coaching and keep playing! I have had a dream of being a professional athlete from when I first started sports so I have to chase that little girl's dream and at least try to make it in the circuit!Â
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
I would say come visit and just see for yourself what a special place this is. There is no other place where you can get such a special college experience and it is one of a kind! It is truly amazing here!Â
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I would say my parents, Chris and Kara, have been a huge part of it. Both of them have pushed me to be the best person I can be in every aspect.  They have been my support system through my education and athletic career. Whenever I need to talk through something or need help, I know they are just a call away with the best advice. I want to tell them thank you for everything and for believing in me. You push me to chase my dreams and never stop supporting me. It is all I could ever ask for.
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| LIBBY GAULTÂ Â |Â Â WATER POLOÂ Â |Â Â AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALANDÂ Â |Â Â MAJOR: ENGLISH, JOURNALISM, CERTIFICATE IN FRENCH |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because of the successful water polo program. I knew a few Kiwis who had played for Rainbow Wahine Water Polo and I admired their work ethic, love for the game, and talent.Â
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine would be winning Big West in 2021.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am moving back to my home town of Auckland, New Zealand and plan on starting law school in July.Â
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice is go for it! It's a beautiful place full of beautiful people. The team becomes your family and there's nothing like representing a whole state.Â
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My family, my coaches, my teammates, and my athletic trainers have helped me so much over the past six years. Through hard times where I lacked confidence, through injuries, and even through the best times, these people offered me support and picked me up when I was down. They pushed me and constantly challenged me to be the best version of myself. I would like to say thank you :) Â
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| OWEN LAHR  |  SAILING  |  PLEASANTON, CALIF.  |  MAJOR: FINANCE |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
In my sophomore year of high school, I was competing in a local sailing regatta in California. Our head coach
Andy Johnson was there coaching his daughter and some other junior sailors from Hawai'i. We were able to meet and he told me about UH, which initially sparked my interest. In my senior year I was able to come out and visit, and I instantly knew that I wanted to come here.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
This year we were able to compete for the Port of Los Angeles Harbor Cup against some of the top keelboat teams in the country. The scores throughout the entire event were very close and it all came down to the very last race. In the end we were able to pull off the victory for the first time in our school's history which was a huge accomplishment.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I am working toward getting my CFP designation and my goal is to become a Financial Advisor. I'd also like to continue sailing competitively and would like to start doing more match racing events in the U.S.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Enjoy your time here as much as you possibly can. Our coach always tells us, "This is going to be the best time of your life. You're never gonna look this good! You're never gonna feel this good!"
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I'd like to thank all of my teammates and coaches for being so helpful. Our team culture was so good throughout my time at UH that I always knew sailing would be a release from the stress and that kept me motivated to work hard in school and sailing.
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| SOFIA RUSSO  |  BEACH VOLLEYBALL  |  CHERRY HILL, N.J.  |  MAJOR: PHYSICS |
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because I admired the beach volleyball program here. They had a strong team and I wanted to go somewhere that would put me out of my comfort zone and make me a better player. I have had a good experience here. I got closer to my teammates every year and that has been my favorite part.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory is going to Gulf Shores for NCAA's my freshman year. It was such a new experience. I had never been to a tournament like that. It made me excited to work hard at practice and try to make it back in future years.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I will be staying here for one more year to work and apply to graduate schools. I am not sure what I want to do yet. I am still figuring out what type of career will be most engaging and rewarding for me. I will apply to geophysics and biophysics programs and see where it leads me.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Going to school at UH is a very unique experience and you will learn a lot by being here.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents have played a big role in helping me get my degree. They always support me when I change my mind about what degree path I want to follow. They encourage me when I am struggling and help me feel confident that I will be successful in school. They made it possible for me to come to Hawai'i and play beach volleyball. I would like to thank them for that.
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