11-03-2025
Wahinekapu named Big West player of the year, UH collects multiple honors
The Big West regular-season champion University of Hawai'i women's basketball team collected multiple conference honors on Tuesday, highlighted by senior guard Lily Wahinekapu earning Big West Player of the Year.
Four Rainbow Wahine players received all-conference recognition, with freshman center Ritorya Tamilo named Freshman of the Year, junior forward Imani Perez selected to the All-Defensive Team, and head coach Laura Beeman honored as Coach of the Year.
Wahinekapu, an 'Iolani School graduate, was also named to the All-Big West First Team. The senior leader averaged 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists per game, guiding UH to a 22-win regular season and its third conference title in four years.
Tamilo, a New Zealand native, earned Freshman of the Year honors while also securing a spot on the Big West All-Freshman Team. She contributed eight points, five rebounds, and one block per game.
Perez, who was named to the All-Big West Second Team in addition to the All-Defensive Team, averaged one block and four rebounds per game.
Beeman was recognized as Big West Coach of the Year for the fourth time in her career after leading Hawai'i to a 22-8 overall record, including a 16-4 mark in conference play. With the top seed in the Big West Tournament, UH will have a double bye into Friday's semifinal in Henderson, Nevada, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
KHON2 Sports is on-site in Henderson, providing coverage throughout UH's quest for the Big West championship. Stay tuned for updates online and on-air.
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