Hawaii Women’s Volleyball Team Prepares for 2025 Season

HONOLULU — As the Hawaii women’s volleyball team kicks off its fall camp, a notable trend emerges: the roster’s youthfulness. On the first day of practice, the players selected to address the media had collectively accumulated just two seasons of collegiate volleyball experience.

A Young Yet Promising Team

Miliana Sylvester, a middle blocker who was a starter in all 31 matches last season, expressed gratitude for her budding experience. “We don’t have a ton of upperclassmen, and so we are labeled as a young team this year,” she stated. However, the sophomore emphasized, “I think that I am thankful to have a little bit of extra experience that is built by maturity, and I’m trying to use that and channel it towards this new role.”

Coaching Focus on Intent and Demeanor

Head Coach Robyn Ah Mow, in her ninth season, stressed the importance of attitude during the team’s afternoon practice. Observing from the sidelines was legendary coach Dave Shoji, who has a storied career with UH. “They have potential,” Ah Mow remarked, noting that the eight returnees and eight newcomers will play a crucial role in maintaining the program’s streak of NCAA Tournament qualifications.

She further challenged her players, posing a critical question about their mindset: “Is it, ‘Oh, I got a couple years to get better,’ or ‘I want to be better now?’”

Departure and Recruitment Challenges

This season poses challenges due to significant player departures, including setter Kate Lang, who is now a graduate assistant at Rice after concluding her career with a remarkable 4,544 assists—ranking third in program history. The team also lost libero Tayli Ikenaga and several key transfers, including Big West Player of the Year Caylen Alexander, who moved to Missouri.

To counteract these losses, the team has actively sought talent through the transfer portal, adding players such as Audrey Hollis from UC San Diego and former Cal State Fullerton defensive specialist Leilani Lopez.

Competitive Positions and New Faces

As the Rainbow Wahine adapt to these changes, the competition for starting positions is heating up. The setter position, particularly, is a focus, with Hollis vying against sophomore Adrianna Arquette. Ah Mow has not ruled out employing a double-setter format. “I think the role is just getting in and actually just like focusing just on setting,” said Ah Mow, emphasizing the need for both players to step up.

Victoria Leyva aims to succeed Ikenaga at libero while implementing some lessons learned from her predecessor: “I’m kind of taking a little bit of what she did and what I really liked from her, and then kind of putting my own spin on that,” she shared.

The Road Ahead

Despite the challenges ahead, the team is optimistic and filled with potential. The upcoming season presents a unique opportunity to blend experience with fresh talent. The Wahine are slated to open their season against Marquette during the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic on August 29.

What Lies Ahead

As the UH women’s volleyball team gears up for a transformative 2025 season, all eyes will be on how effectively these young players adapt and grow. With the right focus and determination, they aim to uphold the proud tradition of the program while navigating the exciting dynamics of a youthful roster.