University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott announced on April 21 the appointment of Khalilah Mitchell as the ninth head coach of the .
Mitchell, an integral figure in UH¡¯s ascent to Big West prominence over seven seasons as an assistant coach, succeeds Laura Beeman, who announced her retirement on March 30 to cap a 14-year tenure as head coach.
Mitchell agreed to an initial three-year term with UH, and her promotion marks the start of a new era for Rainbow Wahine basketball in two significant ways. UH will join the Mountain West as a full member effective July 1, while welcoming new leadership atop the women’s basketball program.
“After an extensive search that drew interest from across the country, it became clear that the best leader for our program was already right here in Mānoa,” Elliott said. “Khalilah Mitchell embodies everything we look for in a head coach: integrity, a relentless work ethic, and a deep-seated passion for the student-athletes. She has played an instrumental role in our championship culture, and demonstrated that she is ready to be our head coach. I am confident she is the right person to lead the Rainbow Wahine into this next chapter.”
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the head coach of the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ women’s basketball program,” Mitchell said. “I want to thank Matt Elliott for his trust in me. Â鶹´«Ã½ has become my home, and these student-athletes are my family. Coach Beeman set a standard of excellence here that is unmatched, and I am eager to build upon that foundation. Our goal remains the same, to compete for championships and represent this state and this university with pride.”
Mitchell first joined the UH Mānoa coaching staff in 2018 and helped guide the Rainbow Wahine to four postseason appearances and three Big West regular-season championships. The ‘Bows went 124-81 during her tenure as an assistant and posted at least 20 wins in each of her last four seasons with the program.
“Khalilah Mitchell is a proven leader with a strong commitment to player development and a deep understanding of the Rainbow Wahine program,” UH President Wendy Hensel said. “As an integral part of our recent success, she brings continuity, credibility and a clear vision for the future. We’re confident she will build on the foundation established by Coach Beeman and continue to elevate our student-athletes on and off the court.”
Mitchell will be formally introduced as head coach at a press conference on April 22.
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