University of Hawaii volleyball is asking fans for money, a sign that even winning programs are feeling the squeeze of paid college sports.

• UH is leaning on community donations to keep its volleyball teams competitive, with a new giving tier called the Shoji Society for people or companies who put in $50,000.
• The cost of running a college program has shot up since players can be paid directly through name-image-likeness deals and revenue sharing.
• Winning is no longer enough — top players get poached by richer schools unless Hawaii can match outside offers.
• Big-money SEC schools set the going rate, leaving a smaller program like Hawaii dependent on local supporters rather than deep-pocketed boosters.
• Volleyball is treated as a point of community pride in Hawaii, which is the pitch being made to donors.

Outlook: Hawaii will need steady donor money to hold onto its best players and keep contending for championships.