Of all of the changes to the University of Hawai'i softball team — five players completed their eligibility at the end of last season and three others decided not to return — the most significant might be head coach Bob Coolen's decision to cede the responsibility of overseeing the pitchers and catchers.

Coolen will turn over those duties to newly hired assistant, Dana Degen, a former UH catcher who played professionally on the Mainland and in Italy the past five years. The Rainbow Wahine opened training camp yesterday.

Coolen, in his 15th season at UH, had wanted to hire a specialist for the pitchers and catchers for several years. John Nakamura's "retirement" — he now will serve as a volunteer — opened the way for Degen.

"She'll do a good job," said Coolen, who will work with the outfielders. "She gives me the ability to walk away and take a look at the whole game."

The Rainbow Wahine are seeking to replace their top two pitchers, Melissa Coogan and Shannon Tabion, and catcher Denise Dahlberg. What's more, last year's leading hitter, Tara Harbert (.423), transferred to Colorado State; backup catcher Dena DePompa enrolled at Washington, and shortstop Ashley Ruff retired.

"We lost a lot of veteran leadership and a lot of experience," said Coolen, noting this year's team consists of eight returnees and 14 newcomers.

Freshmen Justine Smethurst of Australia and Courtney Baughman of Valencia, Calif., are the leading pitchers. "They were brought in as my starters," Coolen said.

Smethurst, who returns this week after training with Australia's national team, throws a fastball that tops at 65 mph (the equivalent of a baseball thrown in the low 90s). Baughman is a down-ball pitcher who relies on screwballs, curves and change-ups.

Jessica Morton, who is 6 feet 1, and Kate Robinson, who also will compete in right field, are expected to serve as late-inning pitchers. Paula Blanning, who beat Fresno State twice, is in the mix as a spot starter.

Kristi Yoshizawa is the best of the five catchers. Coolen said Yoshizawa will call all of the pitches.

"She really knows all of the pitchers, and she does a great job calling games," Coolen said.

Coolen said backup catcher Kaulana Gould will compete for one of the outfield jobs.

Brandi Peiler is expected to start in left field. She hit eight home runs and batted .368 for Hawai'i Pacific University last season. She also was 11-1 with a 1.66 earned-run average, although she is not expected to pitch at UH.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.