The University of Hawai’i women’s water polo team, ranked fourth nationally, is set to begin its 2026 season at the Fresno State Polopalooza tournament. The event will take place from January 16 to January 18 at the Fresno State Aquatics Center in Fresno, California.
Hawai’i’s schedule opens with an exhibition match against No. 10 Indiana on Friday, January 16. The team will then play a doubleheader on Saturday, facing No. 12 San Jose State and No. 5 Cal. The weekend concludes with a game against No. 15 Michigan on Sunday morning.
The Rainbow Wahine hold favorable all-time records against several opponents in the tournament: they lead San Jose State 28-12 and Michigan 19-5 in their series histories, while Cal leads Hawai’i 36-15 overall.
In preseason rankings, Hawai’i was selected first in the Big West Preseason Coaches’ Poll with five first-place votes and a total of 45 points. Three players—junior goalkeeper Daisy Logtens and sophomores Ema Vernoux and Agatha Weston—were named to the Big West Preseason Coaches Team.
Logtens earned ACWPC All-America Third Team honors last season, as well as being named Big West Championship MVP after leading the conference in goals against average and ranking third in save percentage. Vernoux was recognized as Big West Freshman of the Year and led her team with 78 goals last season. Weston returns after redshirting last year; she previously made the Big West All-Freshman Team.
Head coach James Robinson enters his second year leading Hawai’i after guiding them to a 22-5 record last season, including an undefeated run through conference play and advancement to the NCAA Championship semifinals.
This year’s roster includes seven newcomers—a mix of freshmen and transfers—with international experience among several recruits:
– Asimina Klapsianou joins from Greece, where she won multiple medals at youth world and European championships.
– Ariadna Temprano Xambó arrives from Spain’s Club Esportiu Mediterrani; she helped Spain win gold at both U18 World Aquatics Championships and U19 European Championships.
– Sienna Walker comes from Australia’s Fremantle Marlins; she earned bronze at the U16 World Championships.
– Olivia Slavens transfers after two seasons at Long Beach City College, where she was twice named All-South Coast Conference MVP.
The Rainbow Wahine are aiming for their third consecutive Big West Championship this season under Robinson’s leadership.
