“Khalilah Mitchell is a proven leader with a strong commitment to player development and a deep understanding of the Rainbow Wahine program. As an integral part of our recent success, she brings continuity, credibility and a clear vision for the future. We’re confident she will build on the foundation established by Coach Beeman and continue to elevate our student-athletes on and off the court.”
— Wendy Hensel, University of Hawai‘i President
“After an extensive search that drew interest from across the country, it became clear that the best leader for our program was already right here in Mānoa. Khalilah Mitchell embodies everything we look for in a head coach: integrity, a relentless work ethic, and a deep-seated passion for the student-athletes. She has played an instrumental role in our championship culture, and demonstrated that she is ready to be our head coach. I am confident she is the right person to lead the Rainbow Wahine into this next chapter.”
— Matt Elliott, University of Hawai‘i Athletics Director
“There is no one more prepared for this moment than Khalilah Mitchell. She has been an intricate part to the successes of our program and her basketball IQ is only surpassed by her ability to connect with young women. I am stepping away knowing the program is in the best possible hands. I can’t wait to sit in the stands of the Stan Sheriff Center and cheer on Coach Mitchell and this team.”
— Laura Beeman, former UH Women’s Basketball Head Coach
“What a perfect hire for the University of Hawai‘i. Khalilah has a deep love for that community and understands their great traditions. More importantly, she is an excellent coach and teacher that genuinely cares about her student-athletes. I have known Khalilah for over 20 years including coaching her at LSU. She has a contagious enthusiasm and a desire to lead which will guide the Rainbow Wahine to levels of excellence on and off the court.”
— Bob Starkey, LSU Women's Basketball Associate Head Coach
“I’ve known her for over 20 years, and she’s been consistent in who she is every step of the way. We played together at LSU, where her work ethic and discipline set the standard. A five-time Final Four competitor, she understands what it takes to win and lead. She’s the kind of teammate and leader you trust, and I’m incredibly proud to see her step into this head coaching role.”
— Ashley Johnson, Furman Women's Basketball Associate Head Coach
“Couldn’t be happier for Khalilah Mitchell on earning the opportunity to lead University of Hawai‘i women’s basketball. She’s a relentless worker, a great teacher of the game, and an even better person. I’m excited to see the impact she’ll make on the program and the community, just like she did while coaching and mentoring my daughter during the early stages of her career. Hawai‘i got it right.”
— John D. Smith, San Diego State Women's Basketball Assistant Coach
Khalilah has been a winner at all levels both as a player and as a coach. Most importantly, she has been a champion of people & values the importance of transformational leadership in an era where things can be transactional. The torch has been passed for the Rainbow Wahine, and Coach Mitchell is more than ready for this opportunity!
— Sheila Boykin, Marquette Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach
I am absolutely thrilled that Khalilah is the new Women's Basketball coach at Hawai‘i! Her passion for developing young women holistically has been evident since the moment I met her.
Khalilah has been a winner dating back to her high school days at St. Mary's and leading up to her career at LSU. I am confident that her winning mindset and approach to the game will be embodied within her program. There's no doubt in my mind that Hawai‘i Women's Basketball will continue their winning tradition with Khalilah at the helm!
— Joe Silvestri, East Tennessee State Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach
“Coach K is someone you can always count on to bring in the energy, positive vibes, and endless support to the game of basketball. She’s taught me so many lessons off the court and also welcomed me into her outside life as she has navigated her way into motherhood with Nola. I am beyond proud of Coach K being named head coach and have no doubt she will continue the legacy Coach Beeman has paved at Hawaii. She’s a great leader and an even better person and I am so excited to see her lead this program. As a former player, Hawai‘i will love her just as much as I do.”
— MeiLani McBee, former University of Hawai‘i guard (2020-25), UH’s career leader in made 3-pointers.
