The University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Wahine softball team is set to open its 2026 season under new head coach Panita Thanatharn. The team will host the Bank of Hawai‘i Paradise Classic, a four-team tournament scheduled from February 5 to February 7 at the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium in Honolulu. Competing teams include North Dakota, Pacific, and SeattleU.
Coach Thanatharn takes over after the Rainbow Wahine finished last season with a 33-20 overall record and tied for second place in the Big West Conference with a 17-10 mark. “We are looking to bring a new energy and attitude to the Rainbow Wahine squad,” Thanatharn said.
Seventeen letterwinners return for Hawai‘i this season, including key players Jamie McGaughey (junior, first base), Carys Murakami (senior, second base), Milan Ah Yat (junior, shortstop), Larissa Goshi (senior, right field), Cierra Yamamoto (senior, outfield/catcher), and Ellyanna Cinzori (senior, designated player). However, the team will need to replace graduated seniors Izabella Martinez (catcher), Chloe Borges (centerfielder), and Liliana Thomas (third baseman).
The tournament’s opening game on Thursday will be broadcast on Spectrum Sports Channel 12/1012 HD with Scott Robbs providing play-by-play commentary and Kelly Elms as color analyst. The same game will also air on ESPN 1420 radio with Josh Pacheco handling play-by-play duties. Fans can follow live stats at HawaiiAthletics.com and find updates on social media through @HawaiiSB and @HawaiiSoftball.
SeattleU enters the tournament under head coach Geoff Hirai for his eleventh season. Historically, SeattleU leads the series against Hawai‘i with seven consecutive wins; their last meeting resulted in an 8-0 victory for SeattleU in February 2023.
North Dakota is coached by Jordan Stevens in his twelfth season. Hawai‘i has won all three previous matchups against North Dakota, including two victories during North Dakota’s last visit to Honolulu in March 2018.
Pacific is led by Sam Duran-Kukuk in her second season as head coach. In their most recent contest during the Hawaii Spring Fling Tournament in March 2023, Hawai‘i defeated Pacific 7-0.
The Rainbow Wahine begin their season with a fresh coaching perspective and returning experience as they compete against familiar opponents at home.
