2026 UH Women’s Volleyball Team to Debut in Exhibition Matches
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The 2026 University of Hawaiʻi women’s volleyball team will make its public debut in two exhibition matches against in-state rivals UH Hilo and Chaminade, according to Hawaii athletics. The games, scheduled for later this month, mark the first on-court action for the program’s upcoming season and provide an early opportunity for players to gain experience ahead of the regular season.
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Exhibition Matches Highlight Preseason Preparation
The exhibitions against UH Hilo and Chaminade are part of the team’s broader preseason strategy to evaluate roster depth and refine strategies under head coach Lisa Makinaga. While the exact dates of the matches have not been publicly announced, Hawaii athletics confirmed the games are set to take place in Honolulu, with details expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Exhibition matches often serve as a low-pressure environment for teams to test new tactics and integrate incoming players. For the Rainbow Wahine, the games against UH Hilo and Chaminade—both programs with strong regional histories—offer a chance to gauge competitiveness against local opponents. UH Hilo, a NCAA Division II school, and Chaminade, a Division III program, represent different levels of competition, allowing the team to adapt to varied styles of play.
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Makinaga, who was hired as head coach in 2023, has emphasized building a “culture of resilience” during her tenure. The exhibitions align with her focus on team cohesion and player development, particularly as the squad transitions from the 2025 season. The 2026 team includes several returning players from the 2025 roster, alongside new recruits, though specific roster details have not yet been disclosed.
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Context for the 2026 Season
The 2026 season will be the first under a new NCAA Division I structure for the Mountain West Conference, which Hawaiʻi joined in 2024. The conference realignment has shifted scheduling dynamics, with teams now competing against a broader set of opponents. While the 2026 schedule has not been finalized, the exhibitions against in-state schools reflect a trend among collegiate programs to strengthen regional rivalries ahead of conference play.
Hawaiʻi’s women’s volleyball team has a storied history, including a national championship in 2001 and multiple conference titles. The program’s last season, 2025, saw it finish with a 19-13 record and a postseason appearance. The 2026 team’s performance in the exhibitions could provide early insights into its readiness for the challenges of the new conference landscape.
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Local fans have expressed anticipation for the team’s return to the court. “These exhibitions are a great way to reconnect with the community and show the progress we’re making,” said a university spokesperson. The games are expected to draw support from students, alumni, and local volleyball enthusiasts, though ticket details and attendance policies have not been announced.
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Next Steps for the Rainbow Wahine
The 2026 season is set to begin in September, with the team’s official schedule to be released in the coming months. Preseason practices have already commenced, and the exhibitions will serve as a key checkpoint for the coaching staff. Makinaga has not commented publicly on specific goals for the 2026 season, but her emphasis on team unity suggests a focus on long-term development over immediate results.
For now, the exhibitions against UH Hilo and Chaminade represent the first major milestone for the 2026 squad. As the team continues its preparation, the games will offer a glimpse into its potential as it aims to build on the foundation laid in previous seasons.
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“Exhibitions are crucial for evaluating our strengths and areas for growth,” said a team official. “They allow us to test our strategies in a competitive environment before the regular season begins.”
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