Ahead of the Hawai'i baseball team's 2025 season opening weekend, we take a look at breakdowns of each position group, starting with the Rainbow Warrior infielders and catchers.
Hawai'i's infield in 2025 is built on experience, leadership, and a culture of precision and toughness. Head coach
Rich Hill emphasizes preparation, defensive execution, and an obsession with excellence—qualities that define this year's infield group.
Returning for another season are veterans
Jordan Donahue and
Ben Zeigler-Namoa, two leaders who bring experience and grit to the diamond. Donahue, coming off a breakout 2024 campaign in which he hit .349 and earned second-team All-Big West honors, is expected to be a key piece both offensively and defensively. Hill said that having Jordan back is a "blessing" and "when you have guys who come back for that fifth year or get an extra year of eligibility, it's just like a birthday present." Donahue led the team with 68 hits, adding 30 RBIs, 17 doubles, and 10 stolen bases. His .458 on-base percentage was second on the team, and he posted a solid .967 fielding percentage, giving the team a steady presence in the lineup and infield.
Zeigler-Namoa, who Coach Hill says "has really stepped up into a leadership role" is coming off a strong summer in the Cape Cod League, where he was named an All-Star after hitting .311 with three home runs and a .436 OBP. In 2024, he started 46 games, splitting time between the outfield and first base, and contributed seven doubles, 25 RBIs, and a .369 OBP. He showed his clutch ability, driving in go-ahead runs in a win over NC State and delivering a 4-for-7, six-RBI performance in the final two games against Rice. With his ability to get on base and deliver in key moments, he is set to play a vital role again this season.
Elijah Ickes made an impact as a freshman, starting 53 games and finishing strong, batting .375 in May. He hit .280 with 32 RBIs and 12 doubles, while also swiping seven bags and scoring 42 runs. Ickes demonstrated great plate discipline with 34 walks, finishing with a .407 OBP. He had a strong finish to the season, hitting safely in nine of the final 11 games, including a 3-for-5, four-RBI performance at UC San Diego. He also blasted his first career home run against UC Riverside. Now entering his sophomore season, Ickes is poised to take another step forward.
A major addition to this year's infield is
Shunsuke Sakaino, who will be a key presence at second base. During his three-year tenure at CSUN, he made 103 starts, posting a career .300 batting average with 118 hits and 55 RBIs. Last season, he hit .308 at CSUN and now is bringing his consistency and experience to the Hawai'i lineup.
Depth won't be an issue for the Rainbow Warriors, with several players ready to step into bigger roles.
Draven Nushida,
Kedren Kinzie,
Jarret Nielsen,
Kevin Ferguson,
Xaige Lancaster, and
Aidan Kuni give Hawai'i valuable options across the infield.
Hunter Faildo,
Konnor Palmeira,
David Vergel de Dios and Kuni have all spent time behind the plate during preseason practices while Kuni and Palmeira have also gotten reps at first base.
Hill expects his infielders to function like a "choreographed dance production on a Broadway show," knowing exactly where to be and how to execute in every situation.
| No. |
Name |
Ht. |
Wt. |
B/T |
Cl. |
Notables |
|
Infielders |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 |
Elijah Ickes |
6-0 |
175 |
R/R |
So. |
2024 Stats: .280 avg., 1 HR, 32 RBI |
| 2 |
Shunsuke Sakaino |
5-9 |
180 |
L/R |
Sr. |
CSUN transfer; 103 career starts, .300 avg. |
| 3 |
Jordan Donahue |
5-10 |
170 |
L/R |
Sr. |
2nd team All-BW, 138 career starts, .304 avg. |
| 4 |
Ben Zeigler-Namoa |
6-1 |
195 |
L/L |
Sr. |
Cape Cod League All-Star; will also see time in OF |
| 5 |
Draven Nushida |
5-10 |
170 |
L/R |
Jr. |
2 seasons at Cal State Fullerton; will also play OF |
| 6 |
Kedren Kinzie |
6-3 |
205 |
R/R |
Jr. |
2 seasons at Pierce College; 2024 All-NWAC |
| 8 |
Jarret Nielsen |
5-11 |
210 |
R/R |
Fr. |
No. 13 SS in California; also a QB on football team |
| 22 |
Kevin Ferguson |
6-4 |
225 |
R/R |
RFr. |
Redshirted last year; hit .302 during summer |
| 23 |
Xaige Lancaster |
6-2 |
175 |
R/R |
So. |
Redshirted last year; No. 17 player in HI out of high school |
| 47 |
Aidan Kuni |
6-0 |
190 |
L/R |
Jr. |
Hit .365 over 2 year JUCO career |
|
Catchers |
|
|
|
|
|
| 29 |
David Vergel de Dios |
5-10 |
195 |
R/R |
Fr. |
Led Maui HS to share of D1 state title |
| 32 |
Hunter Faildo |
5-10 |
195 |
R/R |
Jr. |
Redshirted last year: Mililani grad who played 2 years at Pima CC |
| 33 |
Konnor Palmeira |
6-0 |
220 |
R/R |
Sr. |
Returns to UH after 1 year at JC, 2 years at CSU Bakersfield |
