Philadelphia Independence forward Tasha Kai was inducted into the University of Hawai'i Sports Circle of Honor last week. In celebration of her alma mater's 40th anniversary of women's athletics, Kai was honored alongside fellow alumnae Brooke Wilkins and the late Patsy Takemoto Mink. Kai, Wilkins and Mink are the latest of 96 individuals and 10 Rainbow Wahine teams to be enshrined in the UH Athletic Department's most prestigious group.
The three women comprising the Class of 2011 were honored at various University of Hawai'i athletic events over the course of the weekend. The official induction took place Friday, Oct. 21 at the Stan Sheriff Center, home of the Circle of Honor. The induction class was also recognized later that evening at the UH women's volleyball match, and the following day at Aloha Stadium during the UH men's football game.
All three members were recognized for their contributions to the University of Hawai'i and its Women's Athletics programs. Wilkins received the honor as the UH Women's Softball program's most dominant pitcher, while Mink was posthumously recognized for her public service as a member of Congress and extensive work on the Title IX Amendment to the Higher Education Act.
"Being inducted on the 40th anniversary of women's athletics as well as the same class as Patsy Mink, means more to me knowing she fought for so many years with Title IX and the equality of women's sports," Kai said. "I would not be able to be where I am today if it were not for her determination."
Similarly, the University of Hawai'i's Women's Soccer program would not be where it is today if it was not for Tasha Kai. Kai's induction marks the first time a female soccer player has been honored into the Circle. "The University of Hawai'i is proud to induct its greatest soccer player into the Sports Circle of Honor," said Derek Inouchi, Director of Media Relations for the UH Athletic Department. "Tasha is still endeared by our soccer community and revered by each of our student-athletes who come through the Ranbow Wahine soccer program. Her records and accomplishments on the field may someday be broken, but her competitive desire and will to win will always be remembered."
Kai sees her induction not only as an honor, but also as an opportunity for other female athletes. "Being the first female soccer player to be inducted is not ony a great accomplishment for me, but for women's soccer in Hawai'i as a whole," she said. "I hope over the next years to come there will be more women athletes given such a great honor."
Kai's induction follows another great season of WPS play for the star forward, her first with the Independence. While she is looking forward to her return to Philadelphia, she is enjoying her time back in her native Hawai'i. "It was so great being back and seeing old friends and colleagues," expressed Kai. "A lot has changed since I've been gone but there's always a warm welcome coming back to the University. It brought back a lot of memories."
Come support Tasha and the rest of the Philadelphia Independence next season. To purchase season tickets, visit
www.independencetix.com or call 1-877-WPS-PHIL.