Kamaluhia “Malu” Garcia’s season was one for the books, earning PacWest Newcomer of the Year and AVCA All-America honors, alongside a first-team all-conference selection with teammate Isabella Freeman. But behind the accolades is a story of community support. Malu knows her competitive edge starts with the fans who have her back.
“You can feel the difference when an entire town is behind you,” Garcia said. “The support we receive allows us to focus purely on getting better every day in the gym. That environment was a huge reason why I was able to find my rhythm so quickly last season.”
Now, the Vulcans need to build on that foundation.
Chasing the NCAA Tournament
As the Women’s Volleyball team prepares for the 2026 season under head coach Reed Sunahara, the “Hilo faithful” have a critical role to play.
Coming off a strong 20-9 season where the team made the conference tournament but missed the NCAA tournament by a single game, the players are hungry for more. Coach Sunahara’s goals for the upcoming season are clear: win the PacWest and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Maximizing Your Impact
To take the next step, the program is relying on community support to elevate the daily reality of training. Gifts will be immediately invested into the student-athlete experience, providing the essential tools necessary to advance player development.
This year, the team's primary goal is to raise funds to support:
Essential Upgrades: Purchasing new practice equipment, gear and uniforms to keep the squad competitive.
Expanded Travel: Funding critical travel opportunities, including upcoming matches in Maui and O‘ahu.
International Experience: Supporting a potential foreign trip to compete with a Japanese team.
“Hilo is already known as a great volleyball community with the best fans in the PacWest,” Sunahara said. “There are so many friends and supporters who want to see this team succeed, and every donation helps grow this program.”
These investments are the difference-maker in preparing the Women’s Volleyball squad to compete at the highest level of the PacWest Conference. Don't just watch from the stands, be part of the team. Make your gift today and help the Vulcans dominate the court in 2026.
Your generosity makes a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and community. Join us in supporting this important work.
Questions? / More Information
If you would like to learn how you can support UH students and programs like this, please contact us at 808-956-8700 or send us a message.
