Hawaii Pacific University Athletics

HPU Position: First Base
HPU Jersey #: 17

Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Waipahu, HI

Height: 5'6"

High School: Pearl City High
Location: Pearl City, HI
Sports Played: Softball, Basketball
Positions Played in High School: First Base
High School Head Coaches: Chad Obara, Ernie Cornia
Awards/Accolades: MVP (Softball), Most Outstanding (Basketball), Impact Player of the Game (Softball), All PacWest Team (Softball)

Place of Birth: Honolulu, HI

Nickname: Ari

Hobbies: Playing sports and going to the beach

Favorite Foods: Shrimp, Alfredo, Steak

Favorite Movies: Kicking and Screaming, 42

Favorite Music Artists: Luke Combs, Russ, Bruno Mars, Rebel Souljahs

Favorite Athlete(s): Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith

In 10 Years Would Like to Be: In my own house with my own family living a successful life!

Parents and Siblings: Naomi Hernandez-Hama (28), Jordan Hernandez (26), Dayton Hernandez (24)

What Made You Choose HPU? I wanted to continue softball and school close to home, and HPU is a well-known family-oriented college.

2023 (Sophomore)  

• Only player to appear and start in all 54 games in the season, mostly at first base and third base  

• Earned All-PacWest Second Team honors at first base  

• Led the Sharks in total bases (80), runs scored (33), walks (17), doubles (12), and home runs (4)  

• Tied with teammate Tita Saunders for most runs driven in with 24 RBIs and tied with teammate Brandi Leong for most double plays turned (6)  

• Second on the team in slugging percentage (.462), hits (52), and stolen bases (15)   

• Was the only Shark to hit multiple home runs on the season (vs Azusa Pacific - 03/10/23; at Holy Names - 03/27/23 & 03/30/23; and vs Concordia - 05/03/23)  

• Produced 16 multi-hit games and five multi-RBI games  

• Only caught stealing once in 16 attempts