Setting the Tone: Panita Thanatharn on Culture, Competition, and 2026

HONOLULU — A new chapter in Rainbow Wahine softball is officially underway, and excitement is building quickly as first-year head coach Panita Thanatharn leads the University of Hawaiʻi program into the 2026 season.

After a productive fall and a short holiday break, the Rainbow Wahine are back on the field with opening day fast approaching. For Thanatharn, the energy around the team has been noticeable since day one.

“I’m super pumped up,” Thanatharn told the media. “Yesterday was an exciting day after the holidays and breaks. They had a shuttle test that they probably weren’t too excited for, but they killed it. Everything we’ve thrown at them, they’ve really taken it in well, so it’s exciting.”

With the season just about a month away, the focus has been less about instant results and more about building habits, trust, and identity.

Building an Identity — One Day at a Time

Thanatharn has been clear that establishing a culture doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s a daily process rooted in consistency and action.

“It’s more about getting them used to things they haven’t done before and learning each other,” she explained. “We talk a lot about culture, but it’s not overnight. We can talk all we want — we have to do the action too.”

That philosophy has carried over into the team’s routines as well. One of the noticeable changes under the new staff has been a shift to morning workouts, something the players have embraced.

“We changed their routine a little bit. We’re strictly a morning team now, and they’ve all seemed to enjoy that. It’s been awesome,” Thanatharn said.

For the first-year head coach, the adjustment to leading her own program has been seamless so far.

“It’s been great. It’s going by fast — and I think it’s going to go by even faster,” she added.

A Schedule Designed to Test — and Prepare

The 2026 schedule reflects that same mindset. Hawai‘i will play 52 games, including 21 at home, but the early portion of the season is intentionally demanding.

“The pre-season is supposed to get you ready for conference,” Thanatharn said. “That’s the main goal — conference and winning a title. So the pre-season has to put us through the gauntlet a little bit.”

That challenge comes in the form of a 10-game mainland road swing, including back-to-back tournaments at UC Riverside and the prestigious Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.

“That’s a tough 10-game road trip, and it was kind of designed that way,” she said.

Before hitting the road, the Rainbow Wahine will open the season at home with the Paradise Classic (Feb. 5–7), followed later by the Outrigger Classic (Feb. 26–28) — giving fans multiple chances to see the team early in the year at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.

Big West Conference play will follow, with Hawai‘i battling familiar rivals as the push toward a conference championship and postseason berth begins. The 2026 season also marks the final year competing in the Big West Conference for the Rainbow Wahine, adding extra significance to each league matchup as the program prepares to transition into the Mountain West Conference in the seasons ahead.

Honoring the Past While Building the Future

Thanatharn has also emphasized respect for the program’s history and those who helped build it, while still moving forward with her own vision.

“We’re very grateful for what’s been done here,” she said. “The history and tradition are important. It’s a privilege to honor this program, and the alumni are a huge part of its past and future.”

Her message to the team has been simple: keep improving.

“Our goal is just to keep getting better every single day,” she said. “Honoring the past, but continuing to build.”

Pre-Season Pa‘ina to Kick Off 2026

As the season approaches, the program will also host its first-ever Pre-Season Pa‘ina, giving fans an early chance to connect with the team.

“This is a way to kick off our season, get the community involved, and bring our alumni back,” Thanatharn said. “It’s really an all-for-one event.”

The event will include a player hit-a-thon, a public home run derby — held on the softball field — and a meet-and-greet with the entire team and coaching staff.

“We want it to be fun,” Thanatharn said. “Some bragging rights, some smack talk — just a natural way to bring everyone together.”

The Pre-Season Pa‘ina will be held Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium, with proceeds supporting program development.

CLICK HERE to register by Wednesday, January 14, 2026.