You’ll recall last month the University of Hawai’i and Uni Watch partnered on a contest to design a special edition uniform for the Rainbow Wahine Basketball Program. The winner will receive a cash prize of $1,500, roundtrip airfare for one to Honolulu, and accommodations, for the basketball game slated for January 25, where the winning design will be worn and showcased to hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide.
We received over 100 entries, and we’ll look at some of those today. Although UH Athletics Staff, Players and Administrators will choose one winning design, readers are encouraged to discuss the submissions and to choose their favorite(s).
Over the next few days, I will run all the entries received (and in the order in which they were received).
This is Part III.
To see the submissions of Part I, Click Here
To see the submissions of Part II, Click Here.
Please discuss the concepts below and pick your favorites!
Tom Brennan
Brian Wiseman
Emily Ganser
Aydin Say
Paul Davey
Emily-Ann Oshiro
Thor Dônola
Dan Bodurtha
Isaac Daggett
Terrence Ozaki
Jussy Evangelista
Jon Burdios
Qadre Latiker
Eric González
Derwin Guti
Sterling Sasaki
Liliane Burkhard
Sawyer Busny
And that’s all for Part III. Please keep checking back for additional submissions!
I am excited to submit my uniform design for the Rainbow Wahine Basketball Program! My design is centered around ” ‘Ohana ” meant to illuminate the close family of both the Hawaiian people and the Rainbow Wahine Basketball Team. The term “‘Ohana” is deeply significant to the University of Hawaii women’s basketball team as it embodies the Hawaiian value of family and community. In Hawaiian culture, ‘Ohana encompasses not only blood relatives but also extended family and close friends and TEAM, emphasizing unity, support, and mutual respect. For the basketball team, embracing ‘Ohana signifies fostering a strong sense of unity, support, and trust among teammates, viewing each other as family both on and off the court. By wearing the ‘Ohana uniforms, the team not only honors Hawaii’s cultural heritage but also builds a deeper connection with the local community, reflecting a shared commitment to unity and excellence in representing Hawaii in sports and beyond.
Love it. Great job!
Thank you!
I was inspired by ʻahu ʻula, feathered cloaks worn by the aliʻi (nobles) of Hawaiʻi. The alternating trim and diamond motif are adapted from the ʻahu ʻula of Hawaiian queens, now in the collection at Honolulu’s Bishop Museum. I chose yellow as the primary color, as yellow feathers were particularly precious in creating ʻahu ʻula. These were gathered from oʻo and mamo birds, which were mostly black with just a few yellow feathers – thousands of birds might be captured and released to produce a single garment.
hey, so was mine
great minds think alike B)
I love your take on it, nicely done!
My vote is Derwin Guti. Colors, blending of old and new. Being a Met fan, I’m partial to skylines. The lei ideas are great, too.
This was a fun exercise. Since the University is represents the island of Oahu and during Lei Day Oahu is represented by yellow/gold leis, I tried to mimic the yellow/gold flowers and green wreaths laid around the neck in my design. Thanks for the opportunity.
The Hawaiian phrase ʻonipaʻa is an integral part of the motto of Queen Liliʻuokalani: “E ʻonipaʻa i ka ʻimi naʻauao” – be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge. A word whose literal meaning in English translates to “fixed motion”, ʻonipaʻa can find use in describing something that is immovable or motionless, determined or resolute, steadfast or firm. I, as the creator of this jersey, sought to embody this philosophy through its design; permanence of the Hawaiian culture in synchronicity with the determination of those who don it.
Shark teeth, niho mano in Hawaiian, form the background of the jersey, whose lighter shade of red is that of our flag. These triangular designs are already a significant part of UH’s branding, allowing for seamless inclusion between its logo and the bulk of the jersey. Offering protection to those who choose to don them, niho mano further symbolize the perserverance of the shark who hunts for its food, as well as the strength of warriors past and present who wear niho mano into whatever battle and hardship they may encounter.
On the sides is the side design of the feather cape, ʻahu ʻula, of Kekāuluohi, former Kuhina Nui of Hawaiʻi and mother of King Lunalilo. The layout consists of additional niho mano patterns and a pair of wings representing the connection to the gods, who were believed to be covered in feathers in a similar manner to the ʻahu ʻula. The inclusion of Kekāuluohi, a powerful figure in the history of the Kingdom, provides a tether to the fortitude and perseverance of the women that find themselves both in our state’s history as well on our own Rainbow Wāhine.
ʻOnipaʻa can be found written on the back, a reminder of the overall theme of the jersey in a more literal fashion. The Hawaiʻi state flag can be found on the front too, representing our home to wherever our Wāhine may find ourselves in as authentic a manner as possible.
Phil and team posted my cover letter and not my uniforms. Kinda bummed
Was your submission multiple pages? If so, I will need to go back and search for it.
If you can send me your design submission ONE PAGE AT A TIME (as attachments), I’ll make the swap. Apologies.
Please send directly to phil.hecken@gmail. Thanks
on it! thank you
You should have files in your email
Yep. Got them.
Stand by and I’ll swap those in.
Sterling Sasaki entered the standout design from this batch.
My three picks (not in order): Sawyer Busney, Derwin Guti (without the skyline!) and Sterling Sasaki.
Great efforts by everyone!
Thank you!!
So glad to be associated with this group of amazing people. Awesome work all!
Did Emily use the islands to dot the “i”s in Hawaii? Cool
My 2 cents…
Terrence Ozaki for the win this time around.
Sawyer Busny, Jussy Evangelista & Derwin Guti all deserve more than honorable mentions.
Sawyer Busny’s look is nice and clean, but just a bit too plain. Not so subtle on the floral background would have improved it.
Jussy Evangelista’s would be better without the “H” logo on 3 different locations: jersey front and back, plus the shorts. Just one of those locations would’ve been a better look, IMHO.
Derwin Guti created a very strong design, but too much black. I would have made the shorts green and continued the side panels from the jersey down the sides of the shorts, I think.
Thank you!! I appreciate the feedback!
No worries. : )
Cheers!
I’m a big fan of Isaac Daggett’s design
Me too, it’s my favorite in the whole group of all of them that have been posted so far
Glad you got yours in, Aydin. Love the islands on the shorts and the fonts. Just wish the pallet was brighter,
Thanks Dave! If they pick a singular design, I hope the green/alts are the direction they go
Paul, Isaac, Sawyer, and Terrance stand out from today.
Thank you!
I liked Jon’s. Love that he designed a matching sleeve. I also liked the Mauka to Makai slogan