She was 47.

Kang, who was known as Ann Goldenson during her University of Hawai'i playing days (1976-77), had been suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for the past 19 months. The affliction, commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. The result is a loss of muscle control and movement.

The disease accelerates quickly, and many patients totally succumb within two or three years of diagnosis. Kang coached her final season last fall with the help of a custom-made cane, and she had been wheelchair-bound since early this year. Cathy Lee Chong, Iolani's director of communications, said Kang was on campus Monday but later developed breathing problems.

She died "peacefully" with her family and close friends at her side.

As a Rainbow Wahine player, Kang helped UH to its first 20-win season in 1977, when it finished as the national runner-up. As a coach at Iolani, she pioneered the school's girls athletic program after 115 years as an all-boys institution and guided the Raiders to their first state volleyball championship in 2001.

And as an organizer, Kang founded and then ran the Iolani Invitational for 20 years. Featuring top high school girls teams from Hawai'i and the Mainland, it still is considered the state's premier preseason volleyball tournament.

Kang is survived by husband, Alan; a son, Barry; a daughter, Marci; mother, Joyce Goldenson of Huntington Beach, Calif.; brothers Craig Goldenson and Bruce Goldenson.

Funeral arrangements, being handled by Diamond Head Mortuary, are pending.