[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII MEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I am glad to join my colleague Senator 
Schatz in rising today to recognize the University of Hawaii Rainbow 
Warriors men's volleyball team, the 2026 NCAA national champions.
  As stated, on Monday, the Rainbow Warriors defeated the UC Irvine 
team to claim the national title for the third time. In the process, 
they made history by completing the first 30-win season in program 
history.
  As a proud University of Hawaii graduate, I join people across our 
State and beyond in celebrating this impressive group of athletes. Not 
only is their roster impressive; it is diverse, with players from 
across the Pacific, from Europe, from the mainland, from across our 
islands. Tournament MVP Louis Sakanoko came to the University of Hawaii 
all the way from France. The Big West Player of the Year Tread 
Rosenthal is from Texas. And let's not forget two of Hawaii's own: 
Kainoa Wade and Alex Parks.
  The `Bows' coach Charlie Wade has said that the program they built at 
UH is unlike anything else on the planet, and part of what makes this 
team so special and successful is the commitment to embracing and 
building around their different strengths--players from different 
countries, different cultures, and different playing traditions coming 
together to accomplish a shared goal with the understanding that their 
differences make them stronger.
  The State of Hawaii has always understood that diversity is something 
to celebrate, not fear. In our State, cultures don't just coexist; they 
combine to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Like 
our State, these Rainbow Warriors show what is possible when we embrace 
our differences, our diversity. At a time when diversity is under 
attack, this team just showed the entire country that diversity is a 
competitive advantage.
  To Coach Wade, to every player, to the fans in Hawaii who packed the 
Stan Sheriff Center, cheering at the top of their lungs: 
Congratulations and mahalo. You made Hawaii proud.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Hawaii.

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