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2027 Softball Signees

Softball

Thanatharn Signs Five For 2027

HONOLULU—University of Hawai'i head softball coach Panita Thanatharn announced the signing of five players for the 2027 season, bringing the number of signees to seven for Thanatharn's second season. The five newcomers include freshman Samantha "Sam" Almaraz, junior transfer Kierstyn Aumua, senior transfer Trendee Kahunahana, redshirt junior transfer Mikalah Nitta, and infielder Madixx Muramoto, who returns to the Rainbow Wahine program after taking the last two seasons off.

Almaraz is a 5-8 right-handed pitcher from Duarte, Calif. The 2026 graduate of Arcadia High School helped lead her school to three league titles and four CIF appearances. Last year as a senior, Almaraz struck out 141 batters in just 102 innings with an ERA of 1.94. She fired 11 complete-game shutouts in 2026 en route to earning all-state and all-league honors.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Sam to the pitching circle," says Thanatharn. "She is mature, has a fierce mound presence, and has gone toe-to-toe with the best competition in Southern California's elite travel ball circuits. We can't wait to help develop her talent. She will add great depth to our pitching staff this season."

Aumua grew up in Hau'ula, O'ahu, but lived in Sagamihara, Japan, for six years, where she attended and graduated from Zama American Middle-High School. The multi-sport standout earned three letters in volleyball, three letters in basketball, and four in baseball—where she helped lead the Trojans to a pair of championship titles as the only girl on the team. After a stellar athletic and academic career in Japan, Aumua matriculated to the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota in Bradenton, Fla. She played two seasons for the Manatees, appearing in 81 games, recording 103 hits with 74 RBIs, 30 doubles, 14 home runs, and hitting for a .394 average with a .686 slugging percentage.

"Kierstyn brings an incredibly rare global perspective to our team," explains Thanatharn. "Originally from Hawai'i, she is a fierce competitor with elite upside and a high softball IQ. As a local girl returning to the Islands, we are ecstatic to welcome her home."

Kahunahana, a utility player originally from Waimanalo, O'ahu, joins the 'Bows after playing three years at former Big West opponent UC Riverside. Last year as a junior, she led the Highlanders with a .293 batting average, 14 runs scored, nine doubles, and 13 walks. For her UCR career, the Kaiser High School graduate recorded a .267 average with 41 runs and 32 RBIs in 107 games played and 94 starts.

"Bringing Trendee back to O'ahu is a massive addition for us," says Thanatharn. "She is a highly versatile athlete who already knows what it takes to succeed at this level. She plays with incredible passion and will provide experience to our roster."

Muramoto, an infielder from Honolulu, returns to the Rainbow Wahine as a member of the senior class. The Kalani High School graduate appeared in 25 games and started 12 at second base as a true freshman in 2024. She hit .250 with six runs, two doubles, and a home run as a true freshman.

"We are excited to welcome Madixx back to our softball 'ohana. She is a phenomenal teammate whose energy and dedication make everyone around her better," exclaims Thanatharn. "Her teammates love her, and her return brings a spark to our infield and dugout that elevates our entire program."

Nitta comes to Hawai'i after playing two seasons at Houston. The Carson, Calif., native appeared in 46 games with 42 starts for the Cougars. She split her playing time between the outfield and as a designated player. For her career, she hit .311 with 30 runs scored, 29 RBIs, and a slugging percentage of .370.

"It is incredibly special to welcome Mikalah into our Rainbow Wahine family," says Thanatharn. "I've known her since she was a standout in high school, and her journey to Hawai'i is a true testament to her strength, perseverance, and character. Her high level of experience and resilience will give our lineup a powerful boost."

"Our entire staff is incredibly excited to work with all of our signees and returning players," explains Thanatharn. "There is truly nothing like playing for Hawai'i and representing this community. We can't wait to get to work, embrace our island pride, and continue building together to make Hawai'i proud!"


2027 Signees
  • Samantha Almaraz – Fr. – RHP – 5-8 – Arcadia, Calif. (Arcadia HS)
  • Kierstyn Aumua – Jr. Tr. – INF – R/R – Hau'ula, O'ahu [Zama Middle (Japan) / State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota]
  • Trendee Kahunahana – Sr. Tr. – Utility – R/R – 5-3 – Waimanalo, O'ahu (Kaiser HS / UC Riverside)
  • Madixx Muramoto – Sr. – SS/3B – R/R – 5-4 – Honolulu, O'ahu (Kalani HS / Hawai'i)
  • Mikalah Nitta – R-Jr. Tr. – OF – L/L – 5-3 – Carson, Calif. (Port of Los Angeles HS / Houston)
  • Palehua Silva – Fr. – C/1B – R/R – 5-7 – Hilo, Hawai'i (Maryknoll School)
  • Ashannalee Titialii – Fr. – M. Inf. – L/R – 5-4 – Carson, Calif. (Carson Senior HS)

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