New Iolani Softball Coach: Lance Watanabe
Iolani School has named Lance Watanabe the new head coach of the Varsity Softball Team. He succeeds former head coach Chris Shimabukuro ‘85 who stepped down in late March after nine seasons with the Raiders during which time he led the team to three ILH Championships and back-to-back state titles in 1999 and 2000.
Since 2004, Watanabe has been an assistant on the Iolani varsity staff, serving as the team’s batting instructor. Prior to his time with the Raiders, Watanabe served as the head coach at Wai’anae from 1995-2003. In 1996, he lead the Seariders to the OIA West title, but fell twice to perennial power Kailua in the OIA and State finals. For his efforts, Watanabe was named the OIA West and Hawaii State Coach of the Year in 1996.
With Watanabe at the helm, the Raiders will be looking to contend for an ILH title and improve on their 3rd place finish in the state tournament this past season. Iolani will return several starters in 2007-08 including outfielders Kryn Masutani, Raechele Takara and Jana Tokuhama, All-State second teamers Kylie Ahlo (2B) and Kai Masutani (C) as well as starting pitcher and early season ace Brittney Guro.