The Hawai'i Hilo Women's Basketball team is set to welcome five newcomers for the 2026-27 season under head coach David Kaneshiro. The recruits鈥擯aisy Perkins, Aly Boyd, Pua'ena Herrington, Faith Mersburgh, and Mikela Salazar-Harrell鈥攊nclude a mix of transfers and freshmen, aiming to bolster a squad that previously finished with a 7-20 record. This season will also see a significant transition as seven players have left the team due to graduation or exhausted eligibility. Coach Kaneshiro expresses optimism about the newcomers' potential to integrate within the team and community, reinforcing the program's future prospects.

By the Numbers
  • The Vulcans had a 7-20 record last season.
  • Seven players departed the previous year鈥攏otably five due to graduation or eligibility exhaustion.
State of Play
  • The upcoming roster will consist of 12 players, including 5 newcomers.
  • In-season changes due to the NCAA's new age-based eligibility model may influence team dynamics.
What's Next

The team will soon announce its complete 2026-27 schedule, providing clarity on when the newcomers will have their first opportunity to compete together. The integration of these players into the team's strategy and culture will be crucial as they aim to improve upon last season鈥檚 performance.

Bottom Line

The addition of five newcomers presents a fresh opportunity for the Vulcans to revitalize their roster and improve their competitive edge. With coaching support and community involvement, this recruiting class is positioned to make a meaningful impact on the team's trajectory.