Volleyball coach Dave Shoji would like $9,424 for a floor-cleaning machine for the Rainbow Wahine’s practice gym.
Track and field/cross country coach Carmyn James hopes for $10,997 to buy a sofa, chairs and study carrels for a players’ lounge.
Wahine basketball coach Laura Beeman seeks $4,536 for long-sleeve warmup shirts and custom uniform tops and bottoms
Welcome to Coaches Choice, the fundraising organization ‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue’s solution to meeting the unfunded needs of all 21 University of Hawaii teams, in addition to the training room, equipment room and weight room.
The program encourages fans to contribute in amounts as small as $10 toward items earmarked by coaches.
"The Coaches Choice program allows you to give to a specific sport for specific needs that the coaches have chosen," men’s volleyball coach Charlie Wade said in a video on the website. He said money donated "will help keep our programs competitive and make our student-athletes that much better."
Wade is seeking $2,040 for a vertical-jump monitor and indoor scoreboard with remote.
A list of the wanted items by team is available at: koaanuenue.org/coacheschoice. Officials tout it as a way for fans to contribute to their favorite teams in modest amounts and feel a part of the program.
"As far as we know, this is the first time an athletic program in Hawaii has set up an institutional program such as Coaches Choice designed to meet specific sports’ needs over a long period of time," AKA president Jon A. Kobayashi said.
"In order for the program to be truly successful over time, it will require ongoing promotion and marketing," said Brandt Farias, director of brand identity and marketing for Ahahui Koa Anuenue. "We are fortunate to have the full support of the UH athletic department in this regard. We have set a modest goal of $50,000 the first year, but hope to exceed that with some kokua from the community."
Most items are listed at $2,500-$25,000. Donors will be recognized on the website, if they choose to be named, and may make comments.
AKA said all donations will be via credit card with a receipt provided for tax purposes.
