In heartbreaking news for fans of University of Hawaiʻi men’s volleyball, rising star Justin Todd has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season following a significant injury sustained during training earlier this week. The university confirmed the news on Sunday morning, delivering a devastating blow to a team considered a top contender for this year’s NCAA Championship.
According to the university’s athletic department, Todd suffered a complete ACL tear in his left knee during a routine practice drill on Thursday. The junior outside hitter landed awkwardly following a block attempt, collapsing to the court and immediately grabbing his knee in visible pain. Medical staff rushed to his side, and he was later taken to a nearby clinic for further evaluation.
Scans confirmed the worst: Todd will require reconstructive surgery followed by an extensive rehabilitation period that will likely sideline him until early 2026.
“Justin’s injury is a huge loss, not just in terms of talent, but also leadership,” head coach Charlie Wade said in a statement. “He’s a competitor, a teammate, and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached. Our hearts go out to him, and we’ll support him every step of the way during his recovery.”
Todd has been a vital force in the Rainbow Warriors’ 2025 campaign, emerging as one of the nation’s most dynamic and athletic outside hitters. Averaging 3.8 kills, 1.2 digs, and 0.9 blocks per set this season, he played a crucial role in helping Hawaiʻi secure a top national ranking and remain undefeated in conference play.
A native of Long Beach, California, Todd transferred to Hawaiʻi in 2023 and quickly won over fans with his high-flying playstyle, fierce competitiveness, and humble demeanor off the court. His performances not only earned him multiple Big West Player of the Week honors this season but also placed him on the radar of Team USA’s developmental pipeline.
News of his injury has hit the team and the local volleyball community hard, with fans and fellow athletes expressing their support across social media. The hashtag #GetWellJustin trended locally within hours of the announcement, and teammates shared messages of encouragement.
Senior setter and team captain Noah Browne posted on Instagram:
“We’re gutted for our brother. But knowing JT, he’ll come back stronger. We’re gonna finish this season with him in our hearts every match.”
The injury presents a major test for the Rainbow Warriors as they approach the postseason. With Todd out, Coach Wade is expected to lean on sophomore Ethan Liu and freshman Kai Yamamoto to help fill the void on the outside. Though both players have shown flashes of brilliance, replacing Todd’s consistency, power, and leadership on the floor will be no easy task.
Still, the team remains determined to push forward.
“Our goals haven’t changed,” said Coach Wade. “This is a resilient group, and we’ll rally together. Justin will still be a huge part of this team’s spirit and preparation, even if he’s not on the court.”
As Todd begins his road to recovery, the University of Hawaiʻi community has already started organizing a “Justin Todd Night” tribute for the team’s next home match — a gesture that shows just how much the young star means to the island and the program.
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