Degen, a former All-America catcher at UH, was hired in January as the Rainbows' battery coach in charge of the pitchers and catchers. Despite losing last year's top two starting pitchers, the Rainbows have produced three perfect games this season.

Before returning to UH, Degen, 28, was the starting catcher for the Sanotint Bollate team of the Italian Softball League.

She re-signed with that team. The league runs through the summer.

UH coach Bob Coolen said volunteer coach John Nakamura will expand his role in Degen's absence. Nakamura retired as a UH part-time coach at the end of last season. UH used that position's salary — $18,000 — and paid it toward a six-month contract for Degen.