HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i men's golf head coach Scott Simpson announced two new additions for the 2025-26 season – Alec Hilgers of Surprise, Ariz., and Chris Salem of Lahaina, Maui.
 
"I am thrilled to be able to welcome Chris and Alec onto the Rainbow Warrior golf team next season," Simpson said. "They have both played some outstanding junior Golf. I was able to watch both of them in the IMG Junior World last summer. What has me most excited is that they both have a big upside to keep improving. Not only do they have solid golf swings, but they both have a tremendous work ethic that shows up on the course and also in the classroom where they are both outstanding students."
 
Hilgers will be the first male student-athlete from St. John Paul II Catholic High School to compete in NCAA Division I. He captained his golf team from 2023-25 and was named team Most Valuable Player each of those years.
 
A standout junior golfer, Hilgers made the cut at the IMG Junior Worlds this summer and also tied for runner-up at the JGAA Phoenix Metro. Among his many accomplishments includes a win at the SDJGA Phil Mickelson Junior Championship in 2023 in which he shot 67-69. He has competed in many AJGA events with a top 5 finish in Tallahassee in 2021.
 
Salem will graduate from Maui Preparatory Academy this spring where he helped the school to state championships in both golf and basketball. As a freshman, Salem helped Maui Prep win its first-ever HHSAA State Championship in golf and finished in a tie for fourth place individually. Also during his freshman year, he was a member of Maui Prep's first-ever HHSAA team championship in boy's basketball, which captured the Division II title.
 
As a sophomore, Salem placed sixth individually at the state tournament while the team finished runner-up. He is a three-time all-Maui Interscholastic League first-team all-star in golf. This past November, Salem qualified individually for the HHSAA State Cross Country Championship and captained the cross country team during his senior year.
 
A top junior golfer, Salem competed at the IMG Junior Worlds, Junior PGA Qualifier, and Optimist International Qualifier. He finished in the Top 10 of the U.S. Kids World Championship and was a team champion at the Van Horn Cup. Salem is also a black belt in Shotokan karate.
 
"We are so fortunate to have these young men come to our university," Simpson said. "It won't be any surprise when they play great golf for us and become tremendous ambassadors in the community."