HONOLULU – Pinsoom Tenzing, the University of Hawai'i women's soccer program's first and only head coach, will retire.

 

“The life span of a soccer coach is ephemeral,” Tenzing said. “I have coached non-stop since 1978. In that span, I have had dizzying highs, coached memorable personalities, and have guided some divine student-athletes. Paraphrasing a dated ditty, 'nothing good lasts forever.'

 

“Our soccer program has had two consecutive losing seasons. Heads have rolled for lesser indiscretions. (Athletics Director) Jim (Donovan) wants to take the program in a different direction and as well he should. I will support him however and whenever he needs me.”

 

Athletics Director Jim Donovan said, “Pinsoom has directed our women's soccer program since the very beginning. He is a quality human being and has mentored numerous student-athletes during his tenure. We are grateful for his service, his loyalty and the past success he has brought to the program and school. I have the utmost respect for him and how he has cared for our student-athletes. We will always regard Pinsoom as the father of Rainbow Wahine soccer.”

 

Tenzing helped established the program at the club level in 1992 and stepped in as the school's first head coach as the team made the leap into Division I soccer in 1994. During his 17 seasons as head coach, his teams compiled an overall record of 142-157-30 and 51-48-6 in the Western Athletic Conference. His teams won three WAC championships (2003, '05, '07) and captured the 2007 WAC Tournament title to earn the program's first and only NCAA Tournament bid.

 

The two-time WAC Coach of the Year guided more than 30 all-conference selections including one All-American and five WAC players of the year. During his tenure, UH was among the conference leaders in scholar-athletes and had numerous regional and national academic honorees.

 

A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.