Hawai‘i enters its farewell Big West season as the conference’s preseason favorite after the coaches’ poll released this week. The Rainbow Wahine earned 94 points, two more than Cal Poly, which had 92. UC Davis stood at 75, and UC Santa Barbara at 73 with one first-place vote. Long Beach State, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, CSUN, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton, and UC Riverside filled out the rest of the rankings.
The Big West preseason team features seven players, including Hawai‘i’s Bri Gunderson, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker who joined the program in the spring as a transfer from Eastern Washington. Gunderson is joined on the preseason team by Cal Poly’s Emme Bullis (R-Sr., setter), Cal Poly’s Chloe Leluge (So., middle blocker), Cal Poly’s Jade Light (Sr., outside hitter), UC Davis’s Ally Chandler (Jr., middle blocker), UC Davis’s Jade Light (Sr., outside hitter listed? Note: Jade Light is listed as outside hitter for UC Davis), UC Santa Barbara’s Eva Travis (R.-So., outside hitter), and UC Irvine’s Campbell Jensen (Sr., libero).
Hawai‘i has a rich history in the Big West, having won five consecutive conference titles and 14 during its 22-year membership. The Rainbow Wahine finished last season 21-10 overall, reached the NCAA Tournament for the 31st straight season and the 42nd time overall, and defeated Cal Poly in last year’s Big West Championship final in Irvine to clinch the title. The 2025 season opens with the Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Classic on Aug. 29-31 at SimpliFi Arena, where UH will face Marquette on opening night and also play Utah State and San Diego.
Context and outlook:
– The transfer addition of Gunderson gives Hawai‘i a proven blocker and a strong presence in the middle, reinforcing a team that has consistently dominated league play.
– Cal Poly, UC Davis, and UC Santa Barbara are expected to provide stiff competition, leveraging other preseason honorees and returning contributors.
– The season promises a high level of continuity and an opportunity for UH to extend a lengthy NCAA Tournament streak in its final Big West run.
Summary:
Hawai‘i headlined the Big West preseason rankings as it prepares for a historic final season in the conference, bolstered by a standout transfer and a slate of recognized players across the league. With the Rainbow Wahine class and schedule poised for a strong run, fans can anticipate another competitive year in the Big West.
Note: Positive spin — the conference appears deep and competitive, and Hawai‘i’s blend of veteran leadership and impactful transfers bodes well for continued success.