Kaupe planning to play softball at Washington
Maui High School senior shortstop Nawai Kaupe said Saturday she has verbally committed to the University of Washington softball team.
She plans to sign a national letter of intent on Nov. 10, the first day of the early signing period.
“I’m really stoked about this, this was actually my first choice, going to U-Dub,” said Kaupe, a two-time Maui Interscholastic League first-team All-Star while at Baldwin.
Kaupe said she had also considered the University of Hawaii, one of several Division I teams to seek the services of the former Little League baseball standout, who also won a Hershey North American softball throw title.
“I’m thankful for the scholarship that I have,” said Kaupe, who took her official visit to Seattle over the summer. “I just recently met the coaches they’ve had from all these years. My decision to go to Washington was absolutely the coaches. They are just so awesome in their effort.”
The Huskies went 39-15 last season, reaching the NCAA Super Regionals.
Kaupe will take the field for the Sabers for the first time this spring after sitting out last season under the state transfer rule.
* Robert Collias is at rcollias@mauinews.com