Two former Rainbow women back as managers
By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hedy Liu and Karena Greeny just couldn't stay away from Rainbow Wahine basketball. When the college season officially begins tomorrow, the former players will be Hawai'i's team managers.
They replace Gavin Petersen, now one of head coach Vince Goo's assistants, and Kveta Truchlikova, who has gone to Idaho State with former assistant Jon Newlee, now the Bengals' head coach.
Team managers receive full scholarships. Greeny is finishing her degree in elementary education while Liu is pursuing a master's degree. Both approached Goo about the position, which is limited to "non-basketball duties" on the court. They are not allowed to coach or play, but can do everything else from rolling the balls out to late-night paperwork.
Most likely, their duties will be somewhere in between.
"They'll be a big help to us and it's an opportunity for them to continue school," Goo says. "That's huge for us. They've been through the program so they know what to expect. Sometimes they could act like psychologists. Obviously they'll be giving advice. They're a good link between the team and coaches."
During their careers, both were known as much for how they enhanced the games of those around them as for what they accomplished individually.
Greeny closed her playing career last season, helping Hawai'i to a 23-8 record and its third consecutive Women's National Invitation Tournament. Liu, a University High graduate, played post from 1997-2000, going to one NCAA Tournament, and the 2000 WNIT with Greeny. Liu also played with Rainbow seniors Michelle Gabriel, Christen Roper and Natasja Allen.
Liu has been working with autistic children since January. Before that, she was an at-risk youth counselor. Greeny is student teaching at Momilani Elementary and expects to graduate in December 2003.
She has been playing in men's leagues and pickup games since her career ended. Liu, who has had six knee surgeries, is now purely a spectator: "I miss competing and all that stuff," she says. "But it's nice to not be hurting."
Hawai'i opens its season against UCLA Nov. 23 in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic. The following weekend NCAA champion Connecticut and NCAA runner-up Oklahoma are here for the 24th annual Rainbow Wahine Classic.
There are 12 on the Rainbow roster, including volleyball All-America Kim Willoughby, who plans to join the team again when her season is over. Sacred Hearts graduate Brittney Aiwohi and Angela Baker, a junior college transfer from Washington, will attempt to walk-on.
The 2002-03 Rainbow Wahine will be introduced, and Jade Abele will be their shooter in a 3-point contest, at the men's Midnight 'Ohana tonight. The 'Ohana celebrates the official opening of practice for both teams, though only the men will scrimmage.
The 'Ohana begins at 8 p.m. at Stan Sheriff Center and is free. Following a mini-carnival on the concourse and a concert by Touch of Gold, introductions begin at 11:30 p.m. followed by the 3-point shooting, men's slam dunk contest and intra-squad scrimmage.
From 8-10 p.m. tonight, the Rainbow Wahine Basketball Junior Fan Club will be registering members. Players eighth grade and below are eligible to join. Membership is free and includes a free season pass to all Rainbow Wahine games at Stan Sheriff Center, along with contests and prizes. For more information, call 956-6518.
