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Aloha & Mahalo - Senior Class Spring 2023

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Aloha & Mahalo - Senior Class Spring 2023 (Pt. 3)

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.

 
MAYA NAKAMURA  |   SOFTBALL   |   HONOLULU, O'AHU   |   MAJOR: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION & SPECIAL EDUCATION

Maya Nakamura makes tag vs. Utah TechWhy did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
Growing up I would come and watch UH baseball games with my brother and dad. I never thought that I'd be in the shoes as one of the UH players that I once looked up to. I chose Hawai'i for its culture, education, and for the opportunity to continue playing in front of my family and friends. Overall my experience has been better than I ever could have imagined. I've made lifelong friends, pursued a higher level of education, and gotten the opportunity to play the sport I love.
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory would have to be last year's senior weekend sweep against Fullerton!
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I'm looking to pursue my master's degree in curriculum studies, and from there go into teaching here in Hawai'i.
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Embrace the people and embrace the culture.
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents have played a large part in my success. On and off the field they have supported me through it all. As teachers themselves, they have inspired me and demonstrated the qualities of kind and compassionate educators.
 
RITA PINTO   |   WOMEN'S TENNIS  |   LISBON, PORTUGAL   |   MASTER'S IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT

Rita Pint (vs. Washington 1-21-23)Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because of the great coaching staff and because I knew that Hawai'i would make me feel at home. On top of that, UH is located in one of the most beautiful places in the world, full of amazing people. My overall experience was great and I will never forget the feeling of playing for such an amazing community.
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine has to be winning the Big West Conference Tournament this season and celebrating it with my team.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I plan to start a full-time job in the Management/Marketing field as soon as I conclude my Master's degree. My career aspiration is to be a Marketing Executive or Management Consultant in the Sports Industry.
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
My advice would be to enjoy every moment and stay in the present. Remember to always play for your team, coaches and the state of Hawai'i. Enjoy the beach, go on a lot of hikes, and have fun with good people! And lastly, be open-minded and ready to learn.
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents. I cannot thank them enough for their constant support and dedication, to me and my sisters. They have been and they always will be an inspiration to me. They constantly push me to be my best, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
 
KU'ULEI MOKU   |   TRACK & FIELD   |   KANE'OHE, O'AHU   |   MAJOR: INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Ule Moku Ku Head Shot 2022
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I wanted to finish my track career at home with a big H on my chest. I loved being a part of this team and so glad I was able to train around amazing girls. 
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
Cheering on my teammates at meets and seeing them exceed all their goals.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I would like to work in the marketing department at UH and would also like to coach in the upcoming years.
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
Coach Maddy and Coach Tim have been such a blessing. They welcomed me to the team and pushed me to be my best. I am so thankful for their guidance and support during my last year of running.
 
CODY CASTRO   |   MEN'S TENNIS   |   FRESNO, CALIF.   |   MAJOR: HEALTH & SPORTS LEADERSHIP

Cody Castro
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because there was an opportunity that presented itself, and I feel like that was the best decision I could have made. My experience at UH has truly been amazing. I've made a lot of friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Warrior?
My favorite memory has to be senior day. Nobody does senior day like the University of Hawai'i. It's very special.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Next up for me is that I plan to move back home, and join the fire academy. My goal is to become a firefighter in the next few years.
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
If I had to give a piece of advice, island fever is a myth.
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
A lot of people have been instrumental in helping me get my degree, such as family, friends, and even my advisors. They all played a significant role.
 
KRALYN SALAZAR   |   WOMEN'S GOLF   |   GLENDORA, CALIF.   |   MAJOR: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Kralyn Salazar HPU Sharks Shootout
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
 I chose UH because I wanted to set myself up to live in a place that I can see myself staying one day long term. From the beaches to the aloha spirit, Hawai'i has shown me so much love and community there is nowhere else that I would want to have spent my last four years.
 
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
Chasing the sunrises and sunsets with my girls, island hopping, and jam sesh's in the team van.
 
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I will be getting my master's in kinesiology and adaptive PE and moving to Colorado to shred up the mountain life. 
 
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Island life isn't always easy but at the end of the day it's an experience of a lifetime!
 
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I'd like to thank my cohort supervisor and professor Leah Muccio for helping me navigate my way through the College of Education, student teaching and the ups and downs of being a student-athlete. I am beyond thankful for all the guidance she has given me throughout my time here at UH.

 
 
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