HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine guard Shawna-Lei Kuehu participated in a live chat, Wednesday, January 28, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., on UH's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HawaiiAthletics.
 
Kuehu, a sixth-year senior, is having her best season as a Rainbow Wahine averaging a team-high 12.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Earlier this season she became just the 18th player in Hawai'i history to score 1,000 points and just the 10th Rainbow Wahine to record over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. Currently, she's risen to No. 13 on the UH all-time scoring list with 1,073 points and is ranked No. 7 with 104 blocked shots.

Below is the transcript of the Facebook chat.

Q: 1. Advice for an undersized post player? 2. Differences between you and your twin Shaena?
SK: 1. My advice for an undersized post player is to have really good footwork and more than one go-to move. Having good post fundamentals is key. 2. In basketball, Shaena is more of a guard oriented player where I was more of a forward. The combination of the two of us was like having one perfect player. Off the court, we are very similar in what we like and like to do--we're identical twins we are much more alike than people think.

Q: Hi Shawna-Lei. It has been a pleasure watching you play for UH. After this season are you considering a Pro career maybe in Europe or Asia or are you planning to hang up the sneakers?
SK: Thank you for your support. After UH I'm considering my professional options, however, my family comes first so it will play a big part in my decision.

Q: Hi Shawna! How is it being a student athlete plus being a mom?
SK: Honestly, it's been hard, but also very rewarding. It comes from having a lot of support from family, friends, coaches and teammates. Without all of their help none of this would be possible. Thanks for your question.

Q: What have you learned about yourself and this program since your first year playing wahine hoops?
SK: With change comes growth and I've been able to learn from overcoming adversities I've faced throughout my years. I've matured as I've taken on more responsibilities. Through my years with the program, we've gone from being content with "being OK" to now we expect excellence every day no matter who we play.

Q: What game or games are you looking forward to most this season?
SK: This week! Long Beach State and CSUN this weekend and Cal Poly next week...and our Senior Game. Thanks for your support!

Q: Hi Shawna Lei, Question 1. Would the game be any different if you had Shaena-Lei(your sister) playing on the same team with you? And 2. Can you please explain of what a Rainbow Wahine means to you? Thank You!
SK: 1. For me, the game would be easier if Shaena was on the same team with me, having that person that simply understands me in and out...it is priceless. 2. Having the opportunity to represent my family and this school and the state of Hawai`i has been an amazing experience. The people of Hawai`i are so prideful on where they come from and it's been a true blessing to be able to represent such a beautiful state. Thanks Louis!

Q: What do you like about this team the most?
SK: I like our team chemistry on and off the court and the competitiveness of all the players.

Q: Who do you got in the Superbowl...Patriots or Seahawks?
SK: Do you have to ask? Lol! My team has been and will always be Tom Brady and the Patriots!

Q: What's your favorite NBA Team and who is your favorite NBA player?
SK: I don't have a favorite team, but LeBron James is my favorite player.

Q: Which pro basketball players (male or female) do you try to model your game after?
SK: (Michael) Jordan was my favorite basketball player growing up. I haven't really modeled my game after anyone.

Q: What's the weather like out there?
SK: 79 deg. with clear skies! Paradise!

Q: Who is your favorite coach ? Haha
SK: Hi Mama Wooley! You know it has to be Coach Wooley! lol But really the entire coaching staff is amazing to play for.
    
Q: Hi Girl just wanted to tell u I'm so proud of u love watching U play keep up the good work love u Aunty Missy
SK: Thanks Aunty for your support!

Q: Hi Shawna. How is your shoulder doing now? Take care.
SK: It's feeling a lot better and I've been rehabbing a lot. Coach has been monitoring contact in practice to make sure that i can contribute in games as much as i can.

Q: What road arena is your favorite to play in?
SK: USC's arena is amazing.

Q: What was your favorite moment as a rainbow wahine basketball player?
SK: Making the game-tying 3pt shot against Minnesota at the end of regulation en-route to an overtime win...and the hiring of Head Coach Laura Beeman.

Q: Do you think that the rainbow wahine team finally got a rhythm going to win the big west title? after wining games on the road!
SK: After our two road wins, I feel like our team is picking up momentum as we head into the second half of the Big West Conference.