HONOLULU, Hawai'i — Hawai'i Pacific University Baseball has officially released its 2026 season schedule, highlighting a competitive slate as the Sharks seek to make a run at the PacWest Championship. With an experienced core and one of the deepest groups in recent years, the program enters the new campaign with heightened expectations and renewed momentum.

Returning All-Region Standouts Lead the Charge
HPU brings back two of the conference's top young talents in Tyler Arnold (So., 3B) and Kan Taguchi (So., LF)—both All-Region selections as freshmen. Arnold is poised to anchor the infield with his power and improved defensive range, while Taguchi returns as one of the most dynamic outfielders in the PacWest after a breakout first season.

Veteran Leadership Returns in Key Roles
Team captain Noah Hata (Sr., CF) is back to patrol center field, providing elite defense, consistent on-base production, and invaluable leadership to a maturing roster.

    The Sharks also return three major contributors on the mound:

• Jayden Gabrillo (So., SP) – A rising ace candidate with advanced command and strikeout ability.
• Cristian Padilla (Sr., RHP) – Expected to handle high-leverage relief situations after a dominant 2025 campaign.
• Jacob Vanek (Sr., RHP) – A versatile long reliever capable of stabilizing games and providing multi-inning support.

Impact Newcomers Bolster Lineup and Rotation
HPU adds a strong group of newcomers projected to make immediate contributions:

• Brock Wirthgen (So., C): A power-hitting catcher with advanced defensive tools and the arm strength to shut down opposing running games.
• Christian Perez (Sr., 1B/DH): A DI transfer known for his "light-tower power" and proven run-producing ability.
• Valor Castroll (Jr., SP): Brings a track record of success as a starting pitcher and is expected to slot in near the top of the rotation.
• Gavin Pacheco (So., SP): A rising talent with the potential to become a fixture in the rotation throughout the season.

Under-the-Radar Impact Players
Two additional Sharks are projected to emerge as quiet difference-makers:

• Andrew Nykoluk (Sr., SS/RHP): A reliable returning shortstop who has also been added to the rotation on the mound with potential starting power.
• Kila Teixeira (Fr., UTIL): After redshirting last season, he has developed into a consistent and trustworthy bat capable of contributing in multiple roles.

Coach Fujinaka on the 2026 Sharks
"This 2026 team is the deepest we've been since I've started in 2022," said Head Coach Dane Fujinaka. "We have multiple guys at every position who I feel will give us a chance to win on any given day. We have enough power, skill, and pitchability to achieve the goals we set out this year, which is to bring a PacWest Championship back to Downtown Honolulu."

Coach Fujinaka added, "I'm excited to see how it all starts to shape out when we get back from winter break. If guys continue to buy into the team, our vision, and their individual roles as the season progresses, I'm confident the rest will take care of itself."

Looking Ahead
With a strong mix of returning standouts, high-impact additions, and improved depth across the diamond, the Sharks enter the 2026 season with confidence and championship aspirations. The full 2026 schedule is available on HPUSharks.com.