On Sunday, the University of Hawai‘i softball team is holding its first annual "Pre-Season Pa‘ina Fundraiser," at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.
The fundraiser will begin at 3 p.m. Adult tickets are $50 and come with two drink tickets, while tickets for children aged 6 to 14 cost $25. Alumna of the UH softball program can attend for free.
Attendees of the fundraiser will have the opportunity to meet the team, led by first-year head coach Panita Thanatharn, who was hired following the retirement of former UH coach Bob Coolen.
Among the activities during the fundraiser is a home run derby, which UH alumnae can participate in for free. Fans who wish to participate can do so for an additional $50 fee.
Funds raised on Sunday will go toward benefitting the Rainbow Wahine softball program, including technology that will enhance the team's scouting and filming efforts, as well as food for the team's locker room.
"Fundraising wise, getting out in the community again, everything's been so busy, but this was a way to kind of kick off our season, get the community involved, meet our players," Thanatharn said. "Our girls are going to do a quick intro, and then they'll go ahead and show off and hit a little bit."
Hawai‘i's 2026 season will begin by hosting the Bank of Hawai‘i Paradise Classic, starting with Seattle University on Feb. 5. The Rainbow Wahine began preseason practices earlier in the month, and Thanatharn has been encouraged by what she's seen so far.
"We had a really good fall," Thanatharn said. "Everything we've thrown at them, they've been really taking it in really well. So, it's exciting.
"All the things we've done with them, it's been positive. For our coaching staff, just talking with some of our team leaders and girls, keeping an open door policy, just really getting to know them and for them to learn about us, too."
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Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
