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The Rainbow Warriors secured a spot in the 2026 Big West Conference women's golf championship, which returned to Kaanapali on April 19-21 for the first time since 2016.
Having Hawaii host the tournament on a neighboring island added a unique dimension to the tournament, highlighting the state's sense of community and support for its largest university, as well as the pride and representation of student-athletes from across the islands.
Golf is often viewed as an individual sport, but the Rainbow Wahine compete for one another and for the team. That sense of unity has evolved into a closeness built through hours in the training room, on the course and in the locker room.
A strong performance against Arizona State University this season played a role in the team's preparation heading into the conference tournament, coach Julie Brooks said.
Emphasizing the importance of staying steady in their routines on tournament days, Brooks said the focus is on keeping things simple, focused and fun.
From the first warmup on the course to final preparations and sending players off to their carts and starting holes, a high-stakes setting like the Big West tournament in Kaanapali sets the tone for an energy-filled day of competition.
Brooks also expressed the team's gratitude to the Kaanapali course and the Maui community, saying the Rainbow Wahine appreciate the opportunity to compete there.
"We love coming to Kaanapali," said Brooks. "The weather is great and the support we get from the course and the community is awesome. This is one of the best courses we come to all year because we feel the love."
As for team culture at the conference tournament, the Rainbow Wahine women's golf team emphasizes staying together, from morning meals at the hotel to competition and post-round dinners, finishing each day as a group.
Hosting the conference championship in Kaanapali also gave Maui's junior golfers an opportunity to attend and watch the competition.
Although the team did not secure a Big West title this season, Hawaii created lasting memories, maintained a strong sense of appreciation and remained focused on the same goals heading into the next season.
"It is important to try and win the conference championship and move on to the regionals," said Brooks. "We got to play Makena on the Friday before the tournament and that was special. We were lucky enough to have four awesome members play with us and we had so much fun. The course was amazing and the views were so good."
Tournament Results
1. Cal Poly +2
2. UC Davis +8
3. CSU Fullerton +9
T4. Long Beach State +12
T4. CSUN +12
6. UC Irvine +15
7. Hawaii +26
T8. UC Riverside +49
T8. CSU Bakersfield +49