The University of Hawai‘i has named Panita Thanatharn as the new head coach of the Rainbow Wahine softball program. She becomes the fourth head coach in program history, following the retirement of Bob Coolen after 34 seasons.
Thanatharn brings nearly two decades of coaching experience, including 16 seasons at Long Beach State in two stints (2008, ’11–25). She served as associate head coach since 2016 and was instrumental in recruiting, hitting instruction, conditioning, and team operations. She also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at UNLV (2009–10).
During her time at Long Beach State, Thanatharn helped guide the program to nine NCAA Regional appearances and five Big West championships. Her teams consistently ranked among the conference’s best, with several top-25 national finishes in batting average and program records in hits, doubles, and home runs.
Known for her strong leadership and player development, Thanatharn now takes the reins in Mānoa, ready to build a competitive and values-driven culture both on and off the field.