As the anticipation builds for the University of Hawai‘i women’s basketball team’s semifinal appearance in the Big West Conference Tournament, the temperature in North Las Vegas has dipped into the high 40s. But inside the gym at the College of Southern Nevada, the warmth of family is on full display.
For the Rainbow Wahine, Ohana is more than just a slogan on T-shirts—it’s a way of life. That spirit shines through as assistant coach Khalilah Mitchell balances basketball and motherhood, with her six-month-old daughter, Nola, along for the ride. On the practice court, there’s no shortage of aunties and uncles providing help, running their own version of zone coverage to keep up with the team’s tiniest—and perhaps most beloved—member.
“It’s a feeling that I have never experienced,” Mitchell said. “It’s so cool, but overwhelming in a way, because she demands and commands attention, yet she can also be independent. She gives the girls so much energy, and everybody is so great with her.
“I’m super proud to have the opportunity to have everybody be so helpful and so giving when it comes to her. I don’t even have to ask—if they see me struggling, they just say, ‘Hey, I got it.’ It’s amazing.”
Mitchell’s daughter isn’t just a visitor—she’s an extension of the team, embraced by the entire program, from players to staff. Head coach Laura Beeman recognized the significance of that bond early on.
“I absolutely love it,” Beeman said. “When Coach Mitch had the baby, I think she was a little apprehensive about how we were going to engage with Nola and how she would fit back into the fabric of this program. But I don’t think the girls ever had a second thought.
“They were incredibly excited to bring her into our ohana.”
Freshman center Ritorya Tamilo agrees, noting that Nola’s presence adds something special to the team dynamic.
“She’s such a little light,” Tamilo said. “She’s always smiling, and we love her. We’re always trying to hold her and make her laugh. Hopefully, she can be a little Rainbow Wahine one day.”
Senior guard Lily Wahinekapu, a leader on the court, sees Nola as a reminder of what makes this team special.
“That’s our little sister,” Wahinekapu said. “We’re just trying to be good role models for her. She brings a lot of joy to our team. We have this big family essence going around, and she brings that for us—it keeps us close together.”
She also offers the team a fresh perspective, reminding them to stay grounded.
“You could be upset about something, and then you look over and there’s this cute little face,” Wahinekapu said with a smile. “She makes everybody laugh and smile. Like I said, she’s our baby sister, and we all take turns taking care of her.”
Mitchell, in turn, is grateful for the way the team has embraced her daughter.
“The way they’ve responded, the genuineness of it—it’s really special,” she said. “I know Hawai‘i is special, but to see it with your own eyes, to see how much they love her, it’s super special.”
Nola isn’t the only keiki on the court this season. Graduate manager Daysha Staley’s four-year-old son, Amani, is also a big part of the team, adding to the UH’s Ohana atmosphere.
As the Rainbow Wahine prepare for their Big West Tournament semifinal matchup on Friday, March 14, at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, Nevada, they do so with more than just championship aspirations. They carry the spirit of family a bond that extends beyond basketball.
KHON2 Sports will provide on-air and online coverage throughout the week as the Rainbow Wahine continue their March to the Championship.