HONOLULU — The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team is set to make its much-anticipated debut at Bankoh Arena within the Stan Sheriff Center for the 2025-26 season. They will host Chaminade in an exhibition game on Tuesday, October 21, with a scheduled tipoff at 7:00 p.m. Admission and parking for this event will be complimentary.
The Rainbow Wahine come into this season with high expectations, having been named the frontrunners in the Big West Preseason Coaches’ Poll. This optimism follows their claim of the conference regular-season title for the second consecutive year and a notable appearance in postseason tournaments for the fourth straight time.
Exhibition Game Details
- Teams: Hawai’i vs. Chaminade
- Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m. HT
- Location: Honolulu, O’ahu | Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center (Capacity: 10,300)
- Television: None
- Live Stream: None
- Radio: ESPN Honolulu (1420AM/92.7FM) – Dave Kawada (Play-by-Play)
- Streaming Audio: ESPNHonolulu.com & ESPN Honolulu app
- Live Stats: Statbroadcast.com
- Social Media: @HawaiiWBB | #HawaiiWBB
Upcoming Schedule
The game against Chaminade will mark the first of two exhibition matches. The Rainbow Wahine are also slated to compete against Hawai’i Pacific University on October 28, leading up to their official season opener against Portland State on November 4.
Overview of the Team
The current roster boasts a mix of experience and fresh talent, featuring seven returners and eight newcomers. Notably, 11 of the 15 players hail from international backgrounds, with six from Australia, three from New Zealand, and one each from Canada and Italy. Imani Perez, a standout forward and senior, leads the returning players. She earned a spot on this year’s All-Big West Preseason Coaches’ Team after an impressive season, averaging 7.9 points per game and securing her second selection to the All-Big West second team.
Perez was integral to a defensive strategy that ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense, limiting opponents to an average of 53.1 points per game. Another key player, center Ritorya Tamilo, who received the title of Big West Freshman of the Year, also earned a place on the All-Big West Preseason Coaches’ Team. The 6-foot-5 sophomore made a significant impact during her freshman campaign, recording a program-record 41 blocked shots.
New Additions
The Rainbow Wahine have added promising talent to their roster, including senior transfers such as guard Izzy Forsyth from UC San Diego and Saniyah Neverson from Northern Arizona. Freshman guard Bailey Flavell, who played alongside Tamilo on New Zealand’s national team during the summer, is also part of the incoming class. Additionally, guard Teyahna Bond (Australia) and forward Fiamma Serra (Italy) contributed to their national programs.
Coaching Leadership
Laura Beeman, now in her 14th season as head coach, returns after claiming her second consecutive Big West Coach of the Year award and the fourth such accolade of her tenure at UH.
For more updates, follow the Rainbow Wahine’s journey on social media with the handle @HawaiiWBB.
