WarriorCast

When one of the best wide receivers in the history of Hawai‘i football pops in, you make time to sit down and talk story. In this episode, we relive the playing days of Ryan Grice-Mullen while relating it to head coach Timmy Chang taking on the reigns of the program he once helped build. If you like hearing about the mid-2000s era of Rainbow Warrior football along with the modern upward trajectory, you will love this episode! 

WarriorCast returns in 2022 with its first episode in nearly a year and we're here to talk football. Nate Ilaoa is well known in Hawai‘i for his play at the running back position from 2001-2006, but he has returned as the Director of Recruiting to give back to the program. He's molding the future and he mentions the current state of the program throughout the conversation but he's also talking story about some of the tales you've heard about and others you haven't! #GoBows #BRADDAHHOOD

We bring an uncomfortable topic to the forefront and discuss mental health with two notable student-athletes. Norene Iosia an alumna and former All-American for women's volleyball talks about her struggles in 2019 as a senior when she lost a dear friend. While Olivia Davies, a current student-athlete and big-time contributor to women's basketball, describes her challenges of personal pressure as a young person. The stories shared in this edition of the podcast are just a glimpse into what many face on an everyday basis. If you're struggling with mental health, say something, if you want to help someone and notice something isn't right with someone, say something. We all can help each other. 

It's a story that's nearly impossible to believe, but it's the journey of Raisa Strom-Okimoto. A legendary name within the University of Hawai‘i soccer program who rewrote the record book and then a successful professional career in recent years. Hear about how she overcame two knee surgery before coming to UH, her stories of yesteryear with former teammates, what it was like playing professionally in the U.S., and her goals for the future. 

Kanoa Leahey has served as the television voice for the Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine for many years, and the name Leahey is that of legendary status on these islands for poetic sports moments being described in the clearest of fashion. With the sudden passing of Robert Kekaula, Kanoa will take over as the lead voice for UH football in 2021. Hear from Kanoa as he pays tribute to his grandfather, father, and Robert while preparing for the job he has been wanting since he started in the broadcasting business. 

His influence and experiences are as real as it gets, and Artie Wilson shares them with us on this episode of WarriorCast. Throughout his life, Artie and his family have been a part of black history, whether it be Artie as a member of the Fabulous Five, or his dad Artie Wilson Sr. being a Negro League Baseball Hall of Famer. His stories of the past as well as his hope for the future shine in this one-of-a-kind conversation. 

Warrior legends Isaac Sopoaga and Chad Owens open up about the season, break down the game, and discuss what led to the memorable fight afterward.

You know the name on the arena, but how much do you know about the man inside the Stan Sheriff Center who has been overseeing the facility's operation since it first opened in 1994? For over 25 years, Rich Sheriff has been living the memories of the greatest events and games to take place at the arena along with you. He relives those memories and gives you a little insight into how things are behind the scenes. Plus, what does the future hold for the newly named SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center? We discuss the past, present, and future with Rich. 

Did you know UH women's basketball head coach Laura Beeman spent two years as an assistant coach in the WNBA? She was coaching at the highest possible level in the sport and has some incredible stories to tell! What was it like coaching alongside former Los Angeles Laker legend Michael Cooper? How about the role she played in "Malice in the Palace" part two? It was only two years but, the stories are those of a lifetime, and you're going to enjoy hearing all about them! 

For over 30 years loyal fans have seen and heard from Robert Kekaula as a trusted source on both radio and TV covering UH athletics. In this episode of WarriorCast, we talk story about football and his perspective covering previous coaching regimes, leading up to his first impressions of new head coach Todd Graham. If you want stories, this episode is full of them! 

The current situation of college athletics is a hard-luck one across the country due to COVID-19 and the uncertainty of the short term future. Universities and departments are being optimistically cautious, including the University of Hawai‘i. Director of Athletics, David A.K. Matlin with the help of his executive team has been leading the department, by making decisions to push forward and working towards the goal of student-athlete and staff safety. Many are on board with the various decisions, others are not, David joins us to talk about a difficult year where he explains the situation from within the department. 

Everyone has a story filled with ups and downs, but a person's true character is shown by handling the downs. Sonia Basma, the newly appointed assistant coach of UH soccer, has had her fair share of downs and kept fighting to earn all her ups. Learn her remarkable story about she ended up in O‘ahu, along with recently being named to the "30 Under 30" list.  

His time as a student-athlete may not be remembered but his last name is well known throughout the history of the Rainbow Warrior football program, while he's adding to it with his own unique career. Tumua Tuinei is making an impact in 2020 as a comedian you have to see, with a Instagram account you want to follow. The up and comer sits down to discuss his memories as a student-athlete with his goals for the future. 

For the past 40 years Cindy Luis has covered UH Athletics and has provided fans with in-depth coverage of their favorite teams. While over last few years, her son Tiff Wells has become a prominent voice for ESPN Honolulu, as a play by play man and trusted opinion. The two, by themselves are a force in the media industry, but together they are a storytelling duo with a passion for what they do, and for their family. 

In a three-part mini series, we address the issue of social injustice and social unrest by discussing the topic with three assistants coaches to get their thoughts and experiences. Part 3 is a discussion with women's basketball assistant Paris Johnson, as she describes her inner peace and what she does to make a difference on the issue. 

In a three-part mini series, we address the issue of social injustice and social unrest by discussing the topic with three assistants coaches to get their thoughts and experiences. Part 2 is a sit down with men's volleyball assistant Joshua Walker, as he discusses what he tries to do avoid any conflict and his advice for anyone listening. 

In a three-part mini series, we address the issue of social injustice and social unrest by discussing the topic with three assistants coaches to get their thoughts and experiences. Part 1 is a sit down with men's basketball assistant Jabari Trotter, as he discusses what he has been through as a black man in America, along with his advice for the future. 

The year 2010 was a memorable one for all of UH athletics, and we close out the #Remember2010 campaign with an in-depth conversation featuring men's volleyball head coach Charlie Wade. After spending 11 seasons as an assistant and associate head coach with women's volleyball. Wade left for three years to add "head coach" to his resume. In 2010 he returned to become the next head coach of the men's program, leading the Rainbow Warriors to national success. In this conversation, we recap the process from Wade's perspective from his first season, and what he has built the program into since.

He has been a coach with the UH swimming and diving program since 2016, serving as an assistant, now as the head coach. But, before Elliot Ptasnik helped lead UH to a total of six conference championship he was a member of Team AE as a coach for Olympian Anthony Ervin. Hear about his journey from 2012 in London to 2016 in Rio and how everything came together. 

Budgets, guaranteed games, fundraising, the MLB draft, all of this and more are covered in part two of our extensive conversation with head coach of UH baseball Mike Trapasso.  **Recorded in late March** 

When you're the head coach of a collegiate program, you become the most polarizing figure, but what goes into the day-to-day of running and operating a program? A veteran of the coaching profession for 30 years, including 20 at the University of Hawai'i, head coach Mike Trapasso gives you, the fan, an inside listen to what he oversees on a daily and yearly basis of his baseball program. If you're a fan of any sport and want to know what goes on behind closed doors, this two-part conversation is for you. **Recorded in late March** 

What is it like being a four-year student-athlete at the University of Hawai‘i? Take a listen as we sit down with senior Courtney Middap of women's basketball, discussing the process of moving from another country, to the bond of teammates, and dealing with countless injuries. 

The Coronavirus pandemic is causing many problems worldwide, but how is it affecting the University of Hawai‘i athletic department? Cancellations, seniors years ruined, and many other aspects you don't know about will be discussed in this surprise episode. 

Want to know why things are, the way they are? Well, to truly understand, you first need to know more about the man leading the department. David A.K. Matlin, the Director of Athletics for the University of Hawai‘i, has built his career around making tough decisions and taking risk. Listen and enjoy this in-depth story of how and why Matlin got to where he is today. 

It's the debut episode of WarriorCast as we sit down with head football coach Todd Graham. You'll learn more about him, his family, his career, and how he ended up at the University of Hawai'i. 

Welcome to WarriorCast! But what is WarriorCast? It's a storytelling podcast centered around the University of Hawai‘i athletic department. Student-athletes, coaches, and staff members giving you, the fan, and all-access listen to their stories. Learn more about what our plan, while getting introduced to host Eric Mathews.