Derick Kato begins his fourth season as an assistant coach with the University of Hawai`i Rainbow Wahine soccer team. Kato is in his second tour with the team, having helped build the program during its earlier years as an assistant in 1997 and rejoining the team in August 2003 after a six-year hiatus.
Since his return, the team has enjoyed tremendous success notching 12 wins in 2004 and capturing the program’s first outright Western Athletic Conference title in 2005. Kato has been a driving force on the staff, overseeing the development of all Rainbow Wahine players though team conditioning, individual skill workouts and extensive instruction during practices and games. Aside from his on-field duties, Kato is also responsible for scheduling and recruiting, as well as spearheading the program’s community service efforts.
“Derick is the hardest-working assistant we’ve ever had here,” head coach Pinsoom Tenzing said. “He is supportive and faithful and has always put the student-athletes first. He is truly concerned about their welfare.”
The 38-year-old is an accomplished club coach with nearly 15 years of experience. He has served as a staff coach for the Honolulu Bulls Soccer Club (2001-present), and the Olympic Development Program (1996-present). He holds a U.S. Soccer Federation “C” License and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America national diploma.
The native of Kane`ohe, O`ahu, is a graduate of Damien Memorial High School, where he was a two-year letterwinner at midfield. During his senior season, Kato captained the varsity squad and earned second-team all-league honors. He graduate in 1990 from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor’s degree in history.
Kato and his wife, Fumiyo, live in Honolulu.
