University of Hawai‘i baseball legend Kolten Wong was named a special advisor for the UH athletics department on Thursday. In his new role, he will consult and advise UH-Mānoa athletics director Matt Elliott, while also serving as a resource for the Rainbow Warrior baseball team.
"Kolten Wong embodies everything that makes Hawaiʻi Athletics special," Elliott said in a press release. "Few individuals understand the privilege and responsibility of wearing Hawaiʻi across their chest like Kolten does. His big-league pedigree, character and genuine love for this community will make an immediate impact on our student-athletes as they strive for excellence both on and off the field."
Added Wong: "I'm excited for the opportunity to give back to the University of Hawaiʻi and a baseball program that means so much to me. I want to use the knowledge, experience and relationships I've built throughout my career to help our players develop, both on and off the field."
With the baseball team in particular, Wong will assist in player development, community outreach and development.
Wong, a 2008 Kamehameha-Hawai‘i graduate, turned down a chance to go pro after high school when he was selected in the 16th round of the MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins. Instead, he played three seasons at the University of Hawai‘i, where he cemented himself as one of the program's greats.
A two-time All-American and three-time All-WAC selection, Wong hit 25 home runs over his UH career and hit .358, including .378 as a junior. He was selected in the first round of the 2011 Draft by the Cardinals and went on to play 10 seasons in the MLB, retiring in 2025.
Wong's No. 14 jersey is one of three retired numbers in program history, along with Les Murakami (No. 11) and Derek Tatsuno (No. 16).
Since his retirement, Wong has relocated to the Islands. He was a first-time participant in the team's alumni game in January.
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
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