- Category
- Impact
- Date
- September 18, 2026
Team chemistry and school spirit are two essential components of a strong athletic team at any university. At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus, the women’s volleyball team is no exception. The team trains, practices and connects as a unit to work toward a common goal of domination on the court.
Beyond mutual interests and memories, several of the players share another similarity — being legacy students. Many team members have family members working in aviation, with three having direct familial connections to Embry-Riddle that have inspired their academic and early professional paths.
A New Season Takes Flight
With 25-plus matches planned for the 2026 season, the women are ready to bring their A-game to every practice, match and event. They kicked off their preseason in August by attending the Paradise Volleyball Classic, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) volleyball tournament, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The excitement of a new season, the impending school year and bright aviation futures could be felt on the flight over. Roger Cabral (’95), father of ‘Ale’a Cabral (’28), was the flight captain, which made the journey extra special.
Get to know just a few of the students and alumni who represent the lasting impact Embry-Riddle has within the aviation industry.
‘Ale’a Cabral (’28): Aeronautical Science
‘Ale’a plans to join the military as an officer or pilot following her graduation from Embry-Riddle. Her hometown is Honolulu, Hawaii.
Roger Cabral (’95): Flyin’ Hawaiian
‘Ale’a’s dad, Roger, graduated from the Prescott Campus with his Aeronautical Science degree. He has been with Hawaiian Airlines for 25 years and currently flies the Airbus A330-200.
Keep up with the Embry-Riddle alumni community long after you graduate.
Anela Chew (’28): Business Administration
Anela plans to become a certified public accountant following her graduation, dedicated to promoting financial literacy and awareness amongst her family, friends and community. Her hometown is Pearl City, Hawaii.
Learn more about earning your Business Administration degree at Embry-Riddle.
Jonah Chew (’25): On the Mat, In the Sky
As a student, Anela’s older brother Jonah was on the Wrestling team and a two-time All-American Champion. He is currently studying to be a certified flight instructor.
Visit the athletics website to see the campus sports offerings.
Brooke Eglinton (’28): Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems (UAS)
Brooke aspires to become a pilot, specifically with Delta Airlines. Her hometown is Honolulu, Hawaii.
Eva Akata Eglinton (’93): Piloting Across Airlines
Brooke’s mom, Eva, flew for Northwest Airlines before and during its merger with Delta Airlines. She currently works for Surf Air Mobility as a captain for Mokulele Airlines and Southern Airways Express.
Embry-Riddle Starts Off Strong
Hawaii Pacific University hosted Embry-Riddle and six other NAIA universities and institutes during the competition weekend. With impressive advantages in hitting percentage, aces and blocks, Embry-Riddle brought home its first win of the 2026 season.
“It was a special opportunity for our Hawaiian student-athletes to play in front of their family and friends,” shared Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Jill Blasczyk. “It was also a valuable opportunity for our non-Hawaiian student-athletes to experience the magic, beauty and hospitality of Hawaiian culture.”
After the tournament, the team spent time decompressing at the beach, volunteering at a local kalo (also known as taro) farm in the wetlands and bonding across the island. Following this tournament, the team continued their successful preseason, playing in tournaments in Austin, Texas, and Surprise, Arizona.
“In preparation for Great Southwest Athletic Conference play, we learned a lot about our strengths as a team and identified areas of continued improvement,” Coach Jill shared. “We look forward to playing in front of our home crowd in Eagle Gym and building on the positive team culture we have established.”
As these Eagles work toward enhancing their professional and athletic careers, they remain an example of Embry-Riddle's impact and legacy across industries, oceans and generations.
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