HONOLULU — The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team will kick off their 2025-26 season with an exhibition game against Chaminade at Bankoh Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free, making it a great opportunity for fans to come out and support the Rainbow Wahine.
After claiming their second consecutive Big West regular-season title, the team is a favorite in the Preseason Coaches’ Poll. They’re also coming off their fourth straight postseason appearance, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
This exhibition will be the first of two games before the actual season begins. The Wahine will also play Hawai’i Pacific University on Oct. 28, leading up to their season opener against Portland State on Nov. 4.
A cool aspect of this year’s roster is the diversity—11 of the 15 players are international students, including athletes from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Italy. This adds a unique flavor and varied perspectives to the team, something fans are sure to appreciate.
Key Players to Watch
- **Imani Perez**: A returning forward and All-Big West Preseason Coaches Team member, Perez averaged 7.9 points per game last season. She was a key player in a tough defense that ranked 7th nationally in points allowed.
- **Ritorya Tamilo**: The Big West Freshman of the Year had an impressive 41 blocked shots last season. She averaged 7.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while also earning a spot on the All-Big West Preseason team.
Coach Laura Beeman enters her 14th season with the Rainbow Wahine, fresh off her second consecutive Big West Coach of the Year award. Her leadership has been pivotal in maintaining high performance and a winning culture within the program.
With such a stacked roster and detailed preparation, this season could very well be one of the most exciting yet for the Rainbow Wahine. It will be interesting to see how they build on last year’s success against both local and national rivals.
To stay updated on the team and catch all the action, follow @HawaiiWBB on social media.
