Coming off their first-ever Big West regular season title in 2024, the University of Hawai‘i women’s soccer team has been voted No. 1 in the Big West Preseason Poll for the first time since 2008. The poll, released Thursday, is voted on by the league’s coaches.
The Rainbow Wahine return 20 players from last year’s record-setting squad, including Big West Midfielder of the Year Nalani Damacion and forward Amber Gilbert, who both earned spots on the preseason all-conference team. Last season, UH set a school record with eight conference wins (8-1-1), posted the most points by a Big West team since 2016, and recorded both a nine-match unbeaten streak and a seven-match winning streak, each a program best.
Other returning standouts include Big West Goalkeeper of the Year Kennedy Justin, along with all-conference honorees Alice Davidson, Cate Sheahan, and Gilbert. Head coach Michele Nagamine enters her 14th season leading the program.
With experience, talent, and momentum, the ‘Bows are ready to defend their crown in 2025.