University of Hawaii-Hilo’s No. 1 fundraiser began earlier this week and will last through Oct. 16.
The island’s university kicked off its annual Vulcan Challenge on Tuesday, which helps ensure the continuation of student-athlete excellence through funding for scholarships, travel, training resources and other needs.
UH-Hilo is kindly asking for any support to help keep its premier athletic program going. Athletic director Patrick Guillen emphasized the importance of the fundraiser, noting that the student-athletes’ milestones cannot be reached without support from around the isle.
“Our student-athletes continue to inspire us with their accomplishments, but we cannot achieve these results without community support,” he said. “Every gift to the Vulcan Challenge helps us develop the next generation of Ambassadors of Aloha, students who represent Hawaii Island and our state with pride.”
President of the UH-Hilo Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Imani Lee mirrored Guillen’s thoughts, adding that any support will make an immediate impact within the school community. Lee is also part of the Vulcan athletic scene, currently serving as a star outside hitter and defensive specialist on the women’s volleyball team.
“When you give to the Vulcan Challenge, you’re helping us compete at our best, travel to represent Hawaii and earn the education that sets us up for life,” she said. “Your support means we can continue to represent Hawaii Island with pride and aloha on every field, court and course.”
Past support for UH-Hilo athletics has translated to the fields, courts and in the classroom. The program is coming off a record-breaking 2024-25 school year, where Vulcan student-athletes posted a 3.32 cumulative GPA — which is the highest in UH-Hilo history. The program also extended its streak of 14 consecutive semesters of a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. Over on the fields and courts, eight teams qualified for the PacWest postseason, led by the men’s golf team’s third consecutive conference title.
“These achievements reflect the heart, discipline and dedication of our student-athletes,” Guillen said. “By supporting the Vulcan Challenge, you’re investing in their future and in the pride they bring to our island.
“This is all possible due to your unwavering support and generosity. We are deeply grateful, however like always with success comes even greater challenges. Will you please help us continue our momentum and make a donation to support our program?”
Additionally, KTA Super Stores and the Taniguchi ‘ohana will show their support of the Vulcan Challenge by matching the first $25,000 of gifts. Charlie and Barbara Umamoto will donate $5,000, joined by the Vulcan Booster Club matching $13,000.
“As student-athletes, we feel the impact of this generosity every day,” Lee said. “Knowing that the community believes in us – and is willing to match gifts to support our journey – motivates us to give our very best on and off the field.”
To support the Vulcan Challenge, donate at https://give.uhfoundation.org/vulcan-challenge-2025
Lydia Keller named
conference defender of week
UH-Hilo women’s soccer goalkeeper Lydia Keller was recently named the PacWest Conference Defender of the Week for Sept. 8-14.
The redshirt sophomore logged 16 saves through three games last week, going 0-1-2 with two shutouts.
Keller, who hails from Idaho Falls, Ida., is in her first season with the Vulcans after starting her collegiate journey at Idaho State.
Below are Keller’s official game logs:
• Sept. 8 vs. CSU Monterey Bay: five saves vs. eight shots; shutout
• Sept. 10 vs. Stanislaus State: seven saves vs. 15 shots; shutout
• Sept. 14 vs. No. 25 Westminster: four saves vs. 12 shots
