Tausaga returns as manager
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
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The University of Hawai'i softball team is losing a player who has served as an inspirational leader the past four seasons.
But the Rainbow Wahine are adding a student manager with the same qualities. That is because the departing player and incoming manager are the same person: first baseman/designated player Tyleen Tausaga, who completed her NCAA eligibility when the Rainbows were eliminated from the Super Regionals last Saturday.
"Ty is coming back," UH coach Bob Coolen said. "She'll get to travel with us. She can work out with us. She'll be a source of knowledge and inspiration."
Tausaga was the 2007 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year after finishing as the only starter in the league to hit better than .400 overall during the regular season.
The past several weeks, Tausaga decided she would accept the student manager's job. But she did not reveal plans to teammates, who had lobbied for her to accept the position.
"This team has been so great," Tausaga said. "I wanted to be part of the team next year. It'll be a different role. I'll work on the field and I'll do laundry on the road, but if anybody needs my help, I'll be there to help."
As student manager, Tausaga remains on full scholarship. She said she will earn a bachelor's degree in May 2008.
Former UH catcher Kristi Yoshizawa is a candidate to succeed John Nakamura as full-time assistant coach. Nakamura wants to serve as a volunteer assistant coach next season.
Yoshizawa served as student manager in 2007 before leaving the team three weeks ago to participate in UH's graduation ceremony.
She has spent the past two weeks as a member of the Great Britain national team, which is attempting to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.
"I hope she gets it," Tausaga said of the coach's position. "It'll be good for her to come back and help out the team. She knows what she's doing."
Yoshizawa mentored catcher Katie Grimes, who hit .400 in WAC games and was named the league's Freshman of the Year.
In related news:
"It's always nice to be honored for things you've done," Robinson said. "We've had such a good season. I'm glad our sport is getting some attention."
Smethurst today returns to Australia for the first time in four months. She will train there before competing in the University Games. She said she is five semesters away from receiving a bachelor's degree.
Manuma did not play this past season because of personal reasons.
She will compete for a starting job in the outfield or as the designated player, Coolen said.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.
