Women's Soccer
University of Hawai'i Athletics would like to congratulate and recognize members of the Class of 2024. Below are stories of some of our current and former student-athletes who earnedtheir degrees this spring.
| ELIZA AMMENDOLIA | SOCCER | GRIFFITH, AUSTRALIA | B.ED. - SECONDARY EDUCATION: GENERAL SCIENCE | ||||
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose to come to UH to experiencea differentculture and country.
What was your favorite memory at UH?
My favourite memory at UH is meeting so many great and diverse people.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I will be taking a teaching job in Australia.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Don't think twice about it, just do it!
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
I would like to thank Rachael Doyle for getting me to take the chance on myselfand come to the U.S to play and get a degree.
| KA'ENA KELIINOI | SOFTBALL | WAI'ANAE, O'AHU | B.BA. - MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RESOUCE MANAGEMENT (DOUBLE MAJOR) | ||||
What has been your favorite part about being a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite part about being aRainbow Wahine has been all the friendships and memories that were made, being able to represent Hawai'i across my chest, and having my family watch me from the stands.
What is your most memorable moment as a Rainbow Wahine?
The most memorable moment as a Rainbow Wahine is hitting a walk-off against Santa Clara.
What is next for you? What is your career aspiration?
Planning to secure a job after college serving as a Human Resource Officer for Commander Navy at Pearl Harbor.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
A piece of advice that I would give to anyone interested in UHM is being present in all the moments that you will encounter as you enter the next chapter in your life. Making all the moments memorable good and bad. Those are the moments that you can look back and laugh about once your time comes to a close.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
The people who have been instrumental in helping me have beenmy academic advisors (Penny Bee & RJ ), Coach Dee, my parents, and my boyfriend Makana. They have been the supporters that have been consistently encouraging me to complete my degrees. My academic advisors have been great to talk to and help me with class scheduling and figuring out a pathway to success. Without them none of my work ethic would have been possible. Thank you all for the consistent love, support, and encouragement through my time at UH Manoa.
| PIPER NERI | SOFTBALL | MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIF. | B.A. - AMERICAN STUDIES (SPRING 2024) / MINOR: PHILOSOPHY (FALL 2024) | ||||
Favorite part about being a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite part about being a Rainbow Wahine is honestly being able to surf and be in the ocean every day before practice. I also love how much positivity and support given to us from the community.
What is your most memorable moment as a Rainbow Wahine?
Despite facing many challenges and much adversity, my most memorable moment as a Rainbow Wahineultimately has been laughing with my teammates and the girls in my van on the roadtrips.
What advice would you give anyone interested in UH?
If you are thinking about coming to the UH and you are not from here, I suggest approaching the experience with curiosity and an open mindand a willingness to learn. When you get here, it's important to be empathetic and gracious to contribute to the community. Embracing a mindset of learning and giving will augment your experience at UH.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to say to them?
I'm incredibly grateful for the tenacioussupport of both of my parents, as I couldn't have made it this far without their help. They have both been there for me and helped me grow in their own ways. And, working out at Itani athletic has alsoplayed a pivotal role in helping me earn my degree. They have not only equipped me with the ability to better understand my body and mind, but have also helped me grow as a person and persevere through challenges over the years.
| KAITLYN RALAR | WOMEN'S TENNIS | WAILUKU, MAUI | B.ENVD - ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN / MINOR: HAWAIIAN LANGUAGA | ||||
Why did you choose UHandwhat was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because of the environment and the Hawaiʻi community. Hawai'i is home for me, but it was amazing to live on another island and meet various peoplefrom aroundthe world.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine was surprising the team on the finalconferencetournament trip and winning the conference! Everyday as a Rainbow Wahine was special because of the everyday laughs and memories with the bowies.
What's next for you?What is your career aspiration?
I plan to work at an architecture firm and eventually get my architecture license.I want to leave Hawai'i for a little while to gain new experiences and ultimately come back andhopefullyhelp make a difference in the community.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
Hawai'i has such a rich culture and community, which makes it sospecial. Embrace the beauty, learn more about it, andbe respectful ofthe place and the people.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degreeandwhat would you like to tell them?
I could not have gotten my degree without those who continually support me. Thank you, especially to everyone inathletics,my coaches, teammates, family and architecture professors, and classmates. You were essential in my everyday life, and I could not be more grateful.
| RILEY WAGONER | WOMEN'S INDOOR VOLLEYBALL & BEACH VOLLEYBALL | DUBLIN, OHIO | B.A. - CHEMISTRY / B.A. - WOMEN, GENDER, & SEXUALITY STUDIES (DOUBLE MAJOR) | ||||
Why did you choose UH and what was your overall experience like?
I chose UH because of the family oriented feeling the communitybrings to all people. My overall experience at UH was amazing. I could not imagine spending my college years anywhere else. I have made so many memories and friends here that I will cherish for a lifetime.
What was your favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine?
My favorite memory as a Rainbow Wahine was being able to compete next to some of my best friends while also enjoying the perks of living in Hawai'i.
What's next for you? What is your career aspiration?
I will be continuingmy volleyball career overseas to play professionally and I hope to do that for a few years before returning to Hawai'i for a job.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in UH?
To anyone interested in UH, I would advise them to enjoy being in such a great atmosphere and surrounded by such amazing people.
Who has been instrumental in helping you get your degree and what would you like to tell them?
My parents have been instrumental in helping me get my degree. They play a huge role in my support system and are always there for me. I would like to tell them that I love them very much and that I would not be the person I am today without their help and guidance.
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