HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The University of Hawaiʻi honored its newly crowned men’s volleyball national champions Wednesday night with a public celebration in Mānoa.

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The Rainbow Warriors won the program’s third national championship after beating UC Irvine on Monday. The ʻBows defeated the Anteaters in four sets.

“We didn’t have a perfect team, we didn’t have a perfect season, but it absolutely had a perfect ending,” said head coach Charlie Wade.

Wade expressed his gratitude at the celebration and thanked die-hard fans for sticking with the ‘Bows even after they fell in the Big West Title match.

“We had a lot throughout the season,” he said. “These guys faced every adversity and got stronger and stronger as the season went on.”

That resilience led the bows to victory against Irvine on Monday and earned them praise from the city and state’s highest offices.

University officials said the event at the Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center was also a celebration for fans who followed the team throughout the season.

“I want to say this to you from all the people of Hawaii, after tough times, you really lifted us up,” said Gov. Josh Green.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi made an official proclamation declaring May 13 as Rainbow Warrior Day.

“I want to acknowledge the genius of Charlie Wade, three national banners gets you that,” Blangiardi said.

UH president Wendy Hensel and first-year athletics director Matt Elliott heaped praise on the bows, saying the national title proves how important UH sports are to the state.

“We keep saying it, our slogan, ‘Our Team Hawaii’s Team,’ but it’s not just a slogan because when you won this entire state stood up and screamed and you made us so proud,” Hensel said.

Elliot praised the ‘Bows and said, “People talk about money resources, media, maybe we don’t have everything those schools have, but we don’t care. We don’t care because we have Tread, Kristian, Louis, Justin, Travell, Adrien and every one of these guys up here.”

Another fan favorite, tournament MVP and outside hitter Louis Sakanoko pumped up the UH faithful, promising this won’t be the last volleyball title in Mānoa.

“Big mahalo to everyone, and we’re gonna get another chip next year for sure,” Sakanoko said.

Setter Tread Rosenthal added, “Just like Louis said, we want another championship, so cheers to next year.”

For some Rainbow Warrior fans, their favorite part of the night was getting autographs from their favorite players.

“We need to remember they’re students. Some of them, they don’t have their families here, so that’s why we’re here,” said Mela Gracia.

“I guess it’s the camaraderie. You can see the teamwork. They enjoy being with each other,” said Lee Hicks.

HNN’s own Billy V served as emcee.

Watch the full celebration here:

Previous coverage

• Five ‘Bows snag All-America honors as team heads to NCAA semifinals
• UH men’s volleyball holds first practice ahead of NCAA semifinals
• UH men’s volleyball holds final practice ahead of NCAA semifinal match
• ‘Fired up’: ‘Bows advance to NCAA championship, avenge conference loss
• ‘Ready for the moment’: UH prepares to face UCI in NCAA national championship
• ‘Bows beat UC Irvine 3-1 to claim third NCAA national championship
• ‘Best week ever’: UH men’s volleyball returns to Hawaii as NCAA champions