UH Volleyball: Meet the New Transfers for the 2026 Season (2026)

Exciting News for UH Women's Volleyball! The University of Hawai'i's women's volleyball head coach, Robyn Ah Mow, has made a significant announcement that is sure to energize fans and players alike: two talented transfer players will be joining the Rainbow Wahine team for the 2026 season.

Meet Maëli Cormier and Panna Ratkai, two dynamic pin hitters who bring a wealth of experience and skill to the program. Standing at 6-foot-2, Cormier, who played as an opposite/outside hitter during her freshman year at Oregon State, and Ratkai, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter from Dayton, have both signed on to become part of the Rainbow Wahine family and will begin their studies at the University of Hawaii this spring. While Cormier will enjoy three remaining seasons of eligibility, Ratkai is set to make her senior season with UH, enriching the team with their international backgrounds and competitive spirits.

"We are thrilled to welcome Maëli and Panna to our 'ohana," said Coach Ah Mow. "Their maturity and competitive edge will not only enhance our gym environment but also positively influence our team culture from day one. We can’t wait to get started when spring training kicks off."

Cormier hails from Les Îles de la Madeleine in Quebec, Canada, where she shone brightly in her freshman year at Oregon State. She earned a place on the West Coast Conference's All-Freshman Team after averaging 2.63 kills per set during the 2025 season. Over the course of 28 matches, she secured 12 starting positions and finished second on her team with a total of 266 kills. Notably, she recorded double-digit kills in 13 of those matches, with a remarkable 20 kills in a thrilling five-set victory against Saint Mary's. Cormier consistently demonstrated her prowess, achieving a hitting percentage above .300 in 10 matches, and even exceeding .400 five times. Moreover, she showcased her skills on the international stage as a starter for Canada’s U-21 team at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championship in Toronto, where she led her team with 35 kills. Cormier also had stints with Canada's U19 team and was honored in 2022 and 2023 as part of the National Excellence Program, in addition to being recognized as a 2025 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian during her club volleyball career with Élans de Garneau.

On the other hand, Ratkai brings her own impressive credentials from Budapest, Hungary. Before her time at Dayton, she was a two-time Horizon League Offensive Player of the Year while playing at Purdue Fort Wayne. After redshirting in 2022, Ratkai made a significant impact over her two seasons there, accumulating a staggering 1,048 kills and an average of 4.62 kills per set. During the 2024 season, she ranked among the nation’s elite, placing 15th in kills per set and 19th in points per set, earning an AVCA All-America Honorable Mention for her outstanding performance. In addition to her offensive contributions, she registered 586 digs and achieved 30 double-doubles throughout her time with the Mastodons. Last summer, she represented the Hungarian National Team, and in her recent season at Dayton, she played in 41 sets, contributing 82 kills and 71 digs.

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This exciting development not only strengthens the team's roster but also sets the stage for a highly competitive season ahead. What do you think about these new signings? Will they elevate the team’s performance in the upcoming season? Share your thoughts in the comments!