University of Hawai’i sophomore Ofeck Hazan has been honored with the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete award during the 2026 National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Championship in Los Angeles. Majoring in finance, Hazan boasts an impressive 4.0 GPA. He is the second student-athlete from UH to receive this recognition this season, following water polo’s Gabrielle Doyle. He also joins the ranks of fellow men’s volleyball player Kāna’i Akana, who won the award in 2022.
The Elite Scholar-Athlete award shines a spotlight on students who excel both academically and athletically. It is given to the athlete with the highest GPA at the championship finals. To qualify, students must be sophomores or older and have participated in their sport for at least two years.
Hazan’s achievement adds to UH’s legacy of excellence, bringing the total to nine Elite Scholar-Athlete awards across four sports. Other notable winners include Stephanie Brandt and Katie Spieler in women’s volleyball and beach volleyball, respectively.
As the second-seeded Rainbow Warriors prepare to face Long Beach State in the NCAA semifinals, the spotlight on Hazan highlights the importance of balancing academics with athletics. It’s a reminder that hard work pays off, both on the court and in the classroom.
For more on the Elite Scholar-Athlete award and its significance, check out the NCAA’s official page.
