2025 will be Bob Coolen’s last with Hawaii softball

Longtime University of Hawai’i head softball coach Bob Coolen has announced he will retire at the end of the 2025 season, concluding a storied 34-year career.

Coolen, who signed what was presented as his final contract two years ago with then athletics director David Matlin, confirmed this week that he will not seek an extension under new leadership, making the upcoming season his farewell tour.

Coolen, who has amassed more than 1,100 career wins, 11 NCAA tournament appearances, and a trip to the 2010 Women’s College World Series, reflected on the decision to retire in an interview with KHON2 Sports reporter Mitch Riberal.

“Well, it wasn’t easy at first because when you’re told you’re going to retire, it’s because you’re not able to do some of the things you’ve done throughout your career. I can still do some of those things, but I’m not 22 anymore,” Coolen said. “With 44 years of coaching, it’s time for me to focus on my own family. My wife loves to travel, and we’ve embraced this decision together.”

Coolen, whose 1,172 career victories rank in the top 30 all-time among NCAA coaches, will officially begin his final campaign during the 2025 fall preseason, which kicks off Nov. 7 with matchups against Chaminade and Fullerton College.

Coolen’s coaching legacy is marked by numerous accolades, including being named conference Coach of the Year six times and guiding the Rainbow Wahine to 11 NCAA tournament appearances. Under his leadership, UH reached the NCAA Super Regionals twice, in 2007 and 2010, and won six conference championships, including two Big West titles and four Western Athletic Conference crowns. His 2010 team made history with UH’s first-ever appearance in the Women’s College World Series.

Coolen, is the second-longest tenured coach in UH history behind sailing coach Andy Johnson, who started his UH coaching career three years prior to Coolen in 1989.

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