Ofeck Hazan isn't just a force on the volleyball court—he's a powerhouse in the classroom too. The University of Hawaii sophomore middle blocker, known for his relentless drive, proved that excellence knows no boundaries when he received the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete award on Friday night. The honor was presented during the championship social at Pauley Pavilion, setting the stage for this weekend's National Collegiate Men's Volleyball Championship.
Hazan, a finance major with a perfect 4.0 GPA, embodies the rare blend of athletic prowess and academic dedication. This award celebrates athletes who reach the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level while maintaining the highest academic standards among their peers. Among the four remaining teams, Hazan holds the top cumulative GPA for any volleyball player—a testament to his unwavering commitment.
"I don't know if you can see on the court, but I am a big competitor and I'm always trying to be the best," Hazan shared. "I'm trying to be the best in class and honestly I hate getting into exams without knowing that I can answer all of the questions. So it's all about the mental side."
Hailing from Zikhron-Ya'akov, Israel, Hazan's journey to this moment is as inspiring as it is unique. After serving in the Israeli military, he fulfilled his commitment before joining the Rainbow Warriors for the 2025 season. His parents were in attendance to witness his award, a proud milestone for the family.
On track to graduate in four years, Hazan plans to build his future in the United States, with hopes of landing a job in California's real estate sector. "I knew I wanted to work in real estate when I left Israel, and I thought finance could really help me and give me a better look and a better point of view on the real estate side," he explained. "I have a lot of friends that live in this area and just because I think the opportunities you can be exposed to are really, really good and if you know the right people, they can get you really far."
On the court, Hazan has been a steady presence for the Rainbow Warriors this season, appearing in 21 of 33 matches. He averages 1.03 kills and 1.12 blocks per set, hitting an impressive .472. As a key third middle blocker, he has stepped up to fill in for Justin Todd and Trevell Jordan when injuries struck, showcasing his versatility and reliability.
Remarkably, Hazan balances his athletic demands with a full academic load—six classes this spring semester alone. "I think it just shows that you care more than others, because it is possible for anybody to achieve this, but it's just a matter of how much you are going to put into it," he reflected. "Once I decided I'm not going to live in Israel for the next four years and take away the part of being with my family, I better do the best I can and achieve the highest possibility. This is my mindset of like, I'm risking a lot of things and giving a lot of things up and I took a chance on myself and I am trying."