UH's Ah Yat proud to be back home with Dad in the stands

Yahoo

05-03-2025

After winning 14 of 22 non-conference games, the University of Hawai'i softball team turns the page this week, opening Big West play against longtime rival Long Beach State at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.
The Rainbow Wahine (14-8) enter conference action with the most wins in the Big West and a strong 12-4 home record. They will host The Beach in a three-game series Friday and Saturday, looking to continue their momentum in front of their home crowd.
One of the key contributors to Hawai'i's success has been sophomore infielder Milan Ah Yat, who was named the Big West Field Player of the Week after a standout performance in the Outrigger Invitational.
The Loyola Marymount transfer leads UH with a 1.135 OPS and 15 RBIs, delivering key moments for the 'Bows—including a walk-off home run three weeks ago.
For Ah Yat, a former Pac-Five standout, playing in front of family and friends has made her return to Hawai'i even more meaningful—especially for her father, former UH baseball star pitcher Paul Ah Yat.
'I think it makes it so much more special,' Ah Yat said. 'Playing on the mainland is a different feeling, but coming home makes me even more proud to be out there, playing for my family and my friends. It feels like high school all over again—especially playing on this field and for my dad, knowing he played at UH. It's just an amazing feeling, and I'm so grateful to be here.'
For Paul Ah Yat, watching his daughter thrive in a Rainbow Wahine uniform has been a surreal experience.
'It's been a blessing for all of us,' he said. 'Having Milan here and seeing her play—I don't think I truly appreciated how special it is to be a Rainbow. It's been surreal.'
While Paul has provided guidance throughout Milan's career, their dynamic has evolved since her return home.
'In the beginning, it was mainly a coach-and-player relationship,' Milan said. 'Now, he's stepped into more of a fatherly role. He still gives me tips and coaches me throughout the season, but he's taken a step back and has been there for me off the field. I really love him for that.'
Paul acknowledged that their family's support system—including his wife and younger daughter, Amari—has played a big part in Milan's transition back home.
'Even though she mentions me, I feel like my wife, Catherine, and Mari, our youngest have really helped Milan with the life portion of being home,' he said. 'It's brought our family closer together, and I think we're in a pretty special place right now.'
Ah Yat has already launched four home runs this season, and the Rainbow Wahine will look to carry their offensive momentum into Big West play.
Hawai'i's three-game series against Long Beach State kicks off Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader at 2 p.m. Only Friday's game will be televised.
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