Honolulu, HI (June 27, 2011) – Hawai'i Pacific's Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Head Women's Basketball Coach, Jeff Harada, has accepted an assistant coaching position with the women's basketball team at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Harada took over HPU's women's basketball program for the 2007-2008 season, and built the program to become the finest in Hawai'i and among the best in the region. Before his tenure, the women's basketball team won just two games, Harada has posted wins totals of eight, 14, 18, and 18 during his run. Harada has ruled the islands, going 31-6 against Chaminade, UH-Hilo and BYU-Hawai'i, including a 16-0 mark over the last two seasons.
In 2009-2010, Harada broke new ground as his Sea Warriors won the conference title and advanced to post-season play for the first time in the history of the program. It was also the first time that a Division II school in Hawai'i advanced to the NCAA regional in women's basketball. HPU finished the season at 18-7 and suffered just two conference losses. Four players earned All-Conference honors, and Harada was named PacWest Coach of the Year.
This past season the team was again strong, finishing third in the conference despite notching 18 wins. Memorable wins this year included a 20-point win over Adams State, a 53-50 win over Dixie State, and 71-29 and 108-46 victories over Chaminade. Under Harada's guidance, freshman Skye Savini was named PacWest Freshman of the Year.
“The entire Athletics Department is going to miss Jeff. But, we are all excited for the opportunity he has at the Naval Academy. Jeff has proven an excellent administrator and coach. He is deserving of this new position and we are all confident that he will be valuable member of his new team. Fortunately, Coach Harada has built a strong program with pieces in place for Sea Warrior Basketball to continue to thrive,” said HPU Athletics Director Darren Vorderburegge.
Harada has strong Hawai'i ties, being raised in Honolulu and attending Hawai'i Baptist Academy where he lettered in basketball, baseball and volleyball. As a senior, he was voted the ILH Division II Player of the Year in basketball and was also an All-State selection. Harada held several positions at HPU, starting as the Sports Information Director and assistant men's basketball coach; he then made a successful transition to Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Head Women's Basketball Coach. Harada has earned the reputation as one of the top compliance directors in the nation.
Harada is not new to the Division I level, he attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and after graduation spent one year as a volunteer assistant coach. He later was hired full-time as an assistant under Head Coach Ricardo Patton. During his tenure there, Harada was a part of one NCAA Tournament berth and two NIT Tournament appearances. Harada graduated with a degree in Kinesiology.
“Hawai'i Pacific is a very special place to me in so many ways and it has been an honor and privilege to be a part of this top-notch athletic department the last seven years,” said Harada. “I truly would like to thank all of the HPU 'ohana who I have had the pleasure to interact with both professionally and personally, especially President Chatt G. Wright who gave me the opportunity to build the women's basketball program.”
HPU returns 10 letterwinners and three starters from last season's 18-7 squad, including first team all-conference selection Mana Hopkins-Vandenakker and second team performer Paris Gravely.
“I believe the success will continue for the Sea Warriors and I will always feel connected to HPU and the program,” said Harada.
