Hawaii starts search for Wahine assistant

The University of Hawaii has begun advertising for an assistant women’s basketball coach to replace Gavin Petersen, who is expected to be named an assistant at the University of the Pacific.

"He has accepted the job and just has to go through some clearance (details)," UOP coach Lynne Roberts said Wednesday.

Petersen, a University High graduate, was in his second stint as an assistant at UH, where he served under three head coaches. Petersen was the Rainbow Wahine manager for three seasons before becoming an assistant for the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons. He returned to UH in 2011-12 after seven seasons as an assistant at Idaho.

"We’re very excited that Gavin is joining our staff," Roberts said. "I’ve recruited against him and have known him for eight or 10 years."

UH coach Laura Beeman said she was surprised by the timing, but said, "He’s been very honest with me that if something he felt was an opportunity for advancement came along for him he’d like my support. And, I completely gave it to him."

Petersen did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

The opening at UOP occurred when Davin Johnson left to pursue a ministry position, the school said.

The closing date for applications for the UH position is July 30, according to the posting.