VIDEO: Gov. Ige Honors UH Athletic Teams  |  Photo Gallery

HONOLULU – Hawai'i Governor David Ige declared May 12, 2015 as Rainbow Warrior Volleyball, Wahine Sand Volleyball, and Wahine Water Polo Day in Hawai'i, honoring the teams as well as several individual student-athletes for competing in their respective national championship tournaments. The ceremony took place Tuesday afternoon at the State Capitol with many of the student-athletes, coaches, and support staff in attendance.
 
"This afternoon's activities is to recognize and honor a number of teams that really did well, representing the state of Hawai'i and the university in the NCAA Championships," Ige said. "Although we were not successful in winning the championship, I know – as an alumni – that I'm very proud of all of your work and I do know the sacrifice and commitment it takes to maintain and participate on the academic level as well as to perform at the highest level in your athletic endeavors."
 
The Governor presented each team with the proclamation as well as congratulatory notices to five student-athletes – swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi, divers Lauren Hall, Aimee Harrison and Amund Gismervik, and women's tennis player Cindy Nguyen – who competed, or in Nguyen's case, will participate at the NCAA Championship as individuals.
 
"You make us all very proud, all the teams that are represented here, you make a difference for our community and inspire us all," Athletics Director David Matlin said.
 
"It was quite a journey, and this opportunity for me, I'm very appreciative of," men's volleyball head coach Charlie Wade said. "When we're in the grind and going and trying to bring home that very elusive national championship to the people of Hawai'i, we don't get time to stop and enjoy the accomplishments so this gives us a very unique opportunity to enjoy the success of the team."
 
The spring and winter season was one of the most successful in school history. In addition to the aforementioned teams and individuals who qualified for the national championship, the women's basketball team won the Big West Conference regular season and made its third consecutive postseason tournament appearance; the men's basketball squad won 22 games and advanced to the Big West Tournament final; the women's golf team finished runner-up at the Big West Championship; and the softball team posted its 23^rd 30-win season in school history.
 
In addition, the coed and women's sailing team will compete at its national championship later this month.