Dr. Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua

Dr. Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua brings over 20 years of academic and research experience to her role. She is the assistant vice provost for Faculty Excellence at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she previously served as a professor and department chair in political science. Dr. Goodyear-Kaʻōpua is also serves on the Board of Turstees at Kamehameha Schools.

An internationally recognized scholar, Goodyear-Kaʻōpua’s research focuses on Hawaiian and Indigenous schooling, food practices, and energy. She co-founded and led several community organizations, including Mana Maoli and Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School, and serves on various boards, such as Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy.

A 1992 Kamehameha Schools Kapālama graduate, she holds a Ph.D. from UC Santa Cruz and a bachelor’s in Hawaiian studies and political science from UH Mānoa.

Clarissa Chun

Clarissa Chun became the first head coach of the University of Iowa women’s wrestling team on Nov. 18, 2021, leading the newly established program.

Before Iowa, Chun served as an assistant coach for USA Wrestling’s women’s national team (2017–21), helping the team win 17 World medals (seven gold, four silver, six bronze) and four Olympic medals, including one gold.

A two-time Olympian and 2012 bronze medalist at 48 kg, Chun claimed gold at the 2008 World Championships in Tokyo, five U.S. Open titles, and four Pan American Championship golds in a decorated 18-year Senior-level career.

Chun was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 2022, one of only four women to receive the honor. She is also a member of the Missouri Valley College Hall of Fame, Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame, and Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame.