HONOLULU — Patsy Dung, the University of Hawai'i women's basketball program's first head coach, died on March 4 at age 87, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the court. 
 
A pioneer in advancing women's sports in Hawai'i, Dung was hired by UH women's athletic director Dr. Donnis Thompson in 1974 to lead the university's newly established women's basketball program. She coached the team while also serving as a Physical Education teacher at Farrington High School and led the inaugural Rainbow Wahine squad to a 4-2 record in the 1974-75 season. She spent five years as UH head coach, with the schedule growing each season from six games to 17 in the 1978-79 season. The Rainbow Wahine went 11-6 in her final season and Dung closed her tenure with a cumulative record of 31-20.
 
Following her UH career, Dung continued to teach at Farrington until her retirement in 1993. In addition, she founded the Kalihi Jets, a community club team which provided girls and women the opportunity to play organized team sports. The Jets began with a softball team and later basketball and volleyball. 

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, April 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Farrington High School Auditorium. Service begins at 11:30 a.m.
 
Laura Beeman, Rainbow Wahine Head Coach (2012-present)
Patsy Dung was a trail blazer. She opened up opportunities for every coach who followed in her footsteps. The Rainbow Wahine Basketball program is where it is today because of her commitment years ago. We want to send our love and support to her family in this very difficult time.
 
Vince Goo, Former Rainbow Wahine Head Coach (1987-2004)
Right up until recently, Patsy attended all the games, still supporting the program. When I was coaching, she sat in same section, same seat and always had a smile on her face when we won. All of the successes we had and all of the success Laura Beeman is having, can be attributed directly to Patsy. She started it all way back when. And I'm just glad our teams were able to keep it going. What Laura and the team is doing right now, on the verge of winning yet another championship, goes back to Patsy. She was always a positive person and I enjoyed our many conversations about the game of basketball. She will be sorely missed.

Sabrina McKenna, Hawai'i Supreme Court Judge, Former Rainbow Wahine Player (1974-78)
Coach Patsy Dung was an important influence in my life since the fall of 1974, when I tried out for the UH Wahine Basketball team. Without her sacrifices and her willingness to coach the Wahine team from 5:30 after a long day teaching at Farrington, so many of us may not have had the opportunity to play on the Wahine Basketball team after Title IX. But Coach Dung taught me about much more than basketball; to me, she exemplified leadership and justice. Through her example, she taught me about integrity, keeping your word, fairness, courage, vision, compassion, resilience, taking action, cooperation, collaboration, mentoring and supporting younger generations, as well as the importance of maintaining dignity and composure, speaking out when you need to, and, of course, gratitude. She was an outstanding woman, who will be sorely missed.

Raelene Domingues, Life Companion, Former UH Basketball Player, Former Kalihi Jets Player
I'm amazed by how she and her former students kept in touch with each other by going to lunches or dinners. She was also so giving and didn't expect anything in return.
 
Dean, Denby, Dana-Li, and Darah Dung, Patsy Dung's Nephew and Nieces
Auntie Pat raised us with so much love, laughter, and adventures. She was incredibly supportive, and attended every game, event, and special occasion, cheering us on and even volunteering to coach our teams. We looked forward to days she picked us up after school as we often rode our bikes together, and helped her make lollipops, chocolate chip cookies, snowballs, and her many arts and crafts. She made us matching t-shirts every year at Christmas and some of our favorite family photos include her personalized gifts. We traveled together many summers, and performed talent shows for each other with our main goal of making our family laugh. Every moment with Auntie Pat was special and memorable.

We spent a lot of time with Auntie Pat in her P.E. class at Farrington High School eating the best guri guri ice cakes she made, and we watched in awe as the love she shared with us extended to her students, friends, colleagues, and everyone she met. She brought people together, believed in the best in everyone and created opportunities for people to thrive. She impacted everyone she met and created a better, more inclusive world for us all. We are so proud of her and proud to be her family.

Naomi Kauhane, Former Kalihi Jets Player
Patsy was such an inspiration to me. She helped me get through high school and followed me through college. I was able to play sports under her. Played with the Jets and traveled all over. What an opportunity I had in life and it's something I would not have fathomed. But it was thanks to Pat. I actually became a physical education teacher just like her. I was Teacher of the Year in Utah and I attribute that to her. Everything I learned in teaching was from her. I'm gonna miss her.
 
Joyce Sakai and Noreen Hayamizu, Former Farrington HS Players
Patsy Dung impacted lives. She created a unique legacy of inspired individuals. It is said that 'Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life; it's about what you inspire others to do.' Patsy Dung created an amazing legacy of inspired individuals.
 
Susan "Susu" Sasano, Former UH Basketball Player, Former Kalihi Jets Player
Miss Dung was a remarkable teacher, mentor, and coach. She gave from her heart, cared about her students unconditionally and supported our future endeavors. My admiration, love and respect of Miss Dung will forever be treasured. Remembering fond memories of her and cherishing our many years of 'ohana friendship. I am very grateful of having her in my life. Her compassion, integrity and wisdom has been etched in my soul. Fly high with your angels Miss Dung. Blessings and Godspeed in your next heavenly adventure! We (Govs sistah's) will miss you dearly everyday.
 
Donna "Cada"cio Hunter-Reay, Former Farrington HS Player
I was honored to be captain of the basketball team and won awards for outstanding softball & basketball player my senior year because of Miss Dung. The most encouraging quote was 'If you don't take the shot, how can you make a shot!' I was afraid to take a shot because I didn't want to miss. Her Legacy Lives On. She was a coach, teacher, mentor, second mom & a friend. She inspired & motivated me all the days of my life. She got to know my two daughters and played golf with my husband. She was part of our family. I got to see her every year I came home to Hawaii for 40 years. She impacted my life and heart.
 
Sonia Wada, Chinese School Classmate
Where we played basketball versus another Chinese school, she was our coach and leader. She was very cool-headed and fun to be with. She had great compassion for others.
 
Judy Recker, Former Fowlerville HS Player
As a sophomore at Fowlerville High School, I was excited for our new gym teacher & a lady from Hawaii, no less. One highlight of Patsy's year at FHS was a basketball shoot off between Patsy & the boys' basketball coach & PE teacher!  She won!!  It was quite a remarkable feat … in those days. Obviously, her basketball skills & knowledge aided her future successes in the sport. Patsy truly was an influence on "us farm girls" in 1959-60. Truly, she was a remarkable woman; someone I never will forget. We mourn her loss but acknowledge her beautiful contributions to the world of women's athletics, at all levels.
 
Aggie Sabanal, Diana Camacho, Lina Hill, Former Farrington HS students
We just wanted to thank you Ms. Dung for all your love, support, guidance, and encouragement throughout our lives. You'll be missed dearly, forever in our hearts and never to be forgotten.