HONOLULU – Three-time AVCA All-American Carlos Briceno was the recipient of the 2025 Pae Makauka Alumni Recognition Award. Briceno received his award at the 14^th annual A'o a Koa Scholarship Dinner, Sunday, Jan. 26 at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
 
Briceno was a three-year letterman for the Rainbow Warriors from 1988-90 and earned All-America honors each year – 2^nd team in 1988 and '89 and 1^st team in 1990. The Rainbows went 65-21 during those years, including consecutive trips to the Western Intercollegiate Volleyball Association finals in 1988 and '89. UH, which was ranked No. 1 for three weeks in 1989, finished No. 3 nationally both seasons.
 
He finished his career with 1,340 kills and 649 digs, both of which ranked No. 2 at the time. In 1990, he earned his bachelor's degree in communications.
 
Following his UH career, Briceno joined the U.S. National Team and earned a spot on the 1992 Olympic Team that won the bronze medal at the Barcelona Games. In 1993, he began a professional beach career, playing on the four-man tour and on the FIVB tour, the latter of which he won silver at the Goodwill Games and World Championships.
 
He later earned two advance degrees from Azusa Pacific University – a Master of Science in Physical Education in 2002 and Administrative Masters of Education in 2004. He has spent nearly three decades teaching physical education in the Long Beach Unified School District and has coached both at Long Beach Wilson High School and Mizuno Long Beach Volleyball Club.

The A'o a Koa Scholarship dinner celebrated its 14^th year giving fans an opportunity to meet head coach Charlie Wade and his coaching staff and the 2025 Rainbow Warrior volleyball team. More than 500 people attended the event which featured food and beverage stations, entertainment and silent and live auctions. The event funds the program for summer school scholarships, recruiting, video equipment and additional/camp staff.
 
 
Past Pae Mākaukau Winners
2011    Pono Ma'a
2012    Mauli'a LaBarre
2013    Manny Relator
2014    Tom Pestolesi
2015    Brian Beckwith
2016    Allen Allen
2017    Mark Presho
2018    Sivan Leoni
2019    Josh Walker
2020    Kai Kahele
2021    Malu Sagiao
2022    Matthew Cheape
2023    Howard Matsuba
2024    Clyde Ching