Hawai'i volleyball's Miliana Sylvester hosts free youth camp

With just five weeks remaining before new head coach Joshua Walker begins his first season leading the University of Hawaiʻi women’s volleyball program, one of the homegrown leaders for the Rainbow Wahine is already making an impact off the court. Junior middle blocker Miliana Sylvester hosted a free youth volleyball clinic over the weekend at Pearl City High School as part of her “Play It Forward” community initiative. The event welcomed 120 participants of all ages, with Sylvester and several of her Rainbow Wahine teammates leading drills and instruction. While the clinic was open to all youth, Sylvester placed a special emphasis on supporting children in Hawaiʻi’s foster care system. She and her 11 siblings were raised in foster care, a background she says has shaped her perspective and inspired her commitment to serving others. “I don’t think it has to define you,” Sylvester said of growing up in foster care. “It’s something that I’m really prideful about because of where I am now. I can look back and just be thankful that I’m here.” The University Laboratory School graduate said her goal is to become the role model she wished she had growing up. “I really just want to be the person that I wanted when I was their age,” Sylvester said. “Now I’m in that position to give back, be a role model to the youth and have them recognize me in the community. It’s really special to be here, and I’m super thankful.” Representing Hawaiʻi as a member of the Rainbow Wahine carries added meaning for the Oʻahu native. “It is really special to be able to wear the H and represent this place with pride because this is the place that raised me and where I call home,” Sylvester said. “Being able to give back and have the resources to do that is a really big deal to me.” The 2026 Rainbow Wahine volleyball season begins Aug. 28 against Georgia Southern as part of a three-day tournament at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Hawaii News, Hawaii Weather, Hawaii Sports See more of the team that is Working for Hawaii on our website: https://www.khon2.com Stay informed about Hawaii news, weather, sports and entertainment, subscribe to the KHON2 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/KHONNews... Check out our morning news podcast: https://khon2.com/khon-2go Sign up to receive the latest Hawaii news in your inbox: https://nxslink.khon2.com/join/6sd/si... Stay informed about Hawaii news, weather, sports, and entertainment! Follow KHON2 on our social channels:    / khonnewshawaii     / khon2news     / khonnews     / khonnews