More than a team: Volleyball's Devin Kahahawai
Get a feel for the family environment that Hawaii native and Volleyball student-athlete Devin Kahahawai has found at The University of Texas.
Josh Candy
10/17/2025
Coming from a big family in Kailua, Hawaii, senior Texas Volleyball student-athlete, and former Hawaii Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, Devin Kahahawai knew that the school she chose would have to emulate the family aspect she felt at home. After her recruiting visit and seeing how important the culture is at The University of Texas, she knew she had found the right place for her.
Kahahawai said that having other girls from Hawaii on the volleyball roster who understood where she came from was crucial to her.
“On my visit, having Jhenna Gabriel [Texas Volleyball student-athlete from 2018-20 and native Hawaiian] as my host was a big thing because we were able to talk about the differences between Hawaii and Texas. She helped guide me through what the transition would be like, but also described the family culture that Coach Elliott has created here. I could see that the girls were more than just teammates—they were sisters—and I wanted to be a part of that,” Kahahawai said.
An exercise science major on the pre-med track, Kahahawai has always wanted to be a doctor and work in the medical field. She is in the UFCU Student-Athlete Academic Center every day, and even describes the center as “where she lives outside of the volleyball court.” Kahahawai recognizes the uniqueness of the strength in resources that Texas offers.
“What makes Texas even more special is the support we receive off the court. From academic services and sports medicine to travel and facilities, we’re provided with resources that allow us to grow as athletes and as people,” Kahahawai said.
Along with success in the classroom, Kahahawai and the Longhorns have found major success on the court this season. At the time of this release, Texas Volleyball is ranked No. 2 in the nation with a perfect 14-0 (6-0 SEC) record. The program’s history and tradition of winning are both meaningful to Kahahawai.
“It’s truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of the women who have worn this jersey before me. There’s so much rich history in the Texas Volleyball program, and Gregory gym is an atmosphere like no other. No matter where we go, we’re always the biggest game on the schedule, and that speaks to the pride and tradition of this program—I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Kahahawai said.
It’s truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of the women who have worn this jersey before me.Devin Kahahawai
As a senior, Kahahawai is also looking towards the future, and is grateful for the resources Texas has provided her to pursue hobbies, jobs, and career goals outside of the volleyball court. She credits these opportunities to the efforts and impact that the Longhorn Foundation has had on her and other student athletes at Texas.
“From academic services and sports medicine to travel and facilities, we’re provided with resources that allow us to grow as athletes and as people. None of that would be possible without the generosity of Longhorn Foundation donors. I’m extremely grateful for their support, which has given me opportunities I could never have imagined. Because of them, we can compete at the highest level while also preparing for life beyond the game,” said Kahahawai.
Because of them [Longhorn Foundation donors], we can compete at the highest level while also preparing for life beyond the game.Devin Kahahawai
Competing at the highest level is the standard for Kahahawai. With plenty of volleyball still ahead, the two-time national champion has her sights set on raising more banners as the SEC and NCAA Tournaments draw near.
