To the people of Hawai‘i,
It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to represent the University and state of Hawai‘i as the Rainbow Wahine Basketball Coach for the past 14 years. I did not walk in the doors with a timeline of how long I would stay. My commitment was open-ended and has always been to the student-athletes I have had the privilege of coaching. Never did I imagine that the young and naïve coach that could not even pronounce the state fish would be walking into her dream job. A job that spanned three different presidents, two chancellors, and seven Athletic Directors. And through it all, I could not help but fall in love with the state and the community, and it has been an unbelievable ride.
I am not running from anything or anyone. I feel the university under President Hensel’s leadership and the Athletics Department under Matt Elliott and Lois Manin are on a healthy, positive, and upward trajectory. We are shoulders deep in a brand new collegiate athletics landscape and it is my belief that with the support of this state and this community, UH Athletics can thrive as we ascend into the Mountain West Conference.
It is bittersweet that I say goodbye to the sport that gave me an unbelievable career for over 30 years. The next coach that leads these amazing young women will not be left empty-handed. The roster is primed for success and the cupboards are full. This past season has been phenomenal. The push that this group made over the second half of this season was inspirational to all of us. There were moments when my emotions surfaced, thinking that this might be the last time this group would share this journey with each other and with me. I never wanted to overshadow what they were accomplishing so I kept my thoughts to myself and committed to making a decision about my future until the season was over. I know for many this will not be a popular choice, but it is one I am convicted to.
Many people, when they leave the game of basketball, thank basketball. But I want to thank everyone who has shown me so much love and support. I want to thank all the student-athletes I have coached, the administrators who took a chance on me, the colleagues who put up with me, as well as the fans, alumnae, and support staff.
And lastly, I want to thank my family and friends who have supported me unconditionally. I can’t count how many birthdays, holidays, weddings, anniversaries, and events I have missed over my career. I am looking forward to decorating a Christmas tree with my family and burning a turkey at Thanksgiving with all of you.
I am not sure what my future looks like exactly. I do know that Carla and I will stay in Hawai‘i. We love our community and the difference we are trying to make. I know for certain I will continue to be involved with mental health in our youth.
Mahalo nui to everyone who has come up to me in Costco, the airport, or any other public space. Your aloha has been felt and has helped shape the person I am today. It is with a full heart that I hand my whistle over to the next Rainbow Wahine Basketball coach with the utmost confidence that the program’s best days are still ahead. Go ’Bows!
Aloha,
Coach Laura Beeman
