Pinsoom Tenzing, the only coach the Hawaii women’s soccer program has ever had, announced his retirement today.

“Our soccer program has had two consecutive losing seasons and heads have rolled for lesser indiscretions,” Tenzing said in a prepared statement released by UH. “Jim (UH athletic director Donovan) wants to take the program in a different direction.”

Tenzing helped established the program at the club level in 1992 with the Rainbow Wahine gaining Division-I status in 1994. During his 17 seasons, Hawaii won three Western Athletic Conference championships and advanced to the NCAA tournament in 2007.

A two-time WAC coach of the year, Tenzing was granted a new three-year contract following the team’s first WAC tournament appearance. But things steadily declined; the Rainbow Wahine went 3-14-3 this season, including 1-5-2 in the WAC, and missed out on the WAC tournament for the second straight season.

“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,” Donovan said. “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’s most notable recruit was Kahuku graduate Natashi Kai, who become an All-American and an Olympic gold medalist.

He also produced 30 all-conference selections and five WAC players of the year.

Tenzing finished his career at 142-157-30 overall and 51-48-6 in the WAC.

The school will begin a national search for Tenzing’s replacement immediately.