[ WAHINE BASKETBALL ]
UH’s Macfarlane
glad she stayed home
Milia Macfarlane says her greatest athletic moment was when she signed a letter of intent to stay home and play basketball for the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine basketball team.
There was interest in her talents from three West Coast schools and Harvard, but Macfarlane signed with Hawaii early during her senior year at Punahou. She cited the academics and coaches at UH and not wanting to miss the mountain vistas of Nuuanu Valley, nor the fragrant smell of Hawaii's flowers as reasons to stay home.
UH opens its season today against Lipscomb at the Stan Sheriff Center. But no matter who the opponent, Macfarlane sets the same three goals each year.
"I want to be a better basketball player, a better student and a better person at the end of the season," said the junior point guard, who gets to start today. She also could see playing time at shooting guard this year.
She played in 16 games as a freshman and in all 28 last year coming off the bench with the exception of one start.
"I've been a backup, but I've learned how to take things in stride. I've learned from practices and from watching games, and each year I've tried to take what I learned to the next season," said Macfarlane.
"I know my first year I was doing about average in school, but I knew I could do better. I've learned to manage my time and I have become more responsible. Last semester and during the summer I had straight A's."
Her basketball education also has advanced the past two years. Macfarlane knows that a point guard has to control the team. She has been working on that with an upbeat approach.
"I think the open-minded and positive attitude I have is what I bring to the court, especially since we are so young," said Macfarlane.
"The freshman class is talented and so open to improvement. They are very willing and it is inspiring to the rest of us to see that kind of drive. This team is closely knit and very understanding of each other."
Macfarlane is more confident this year, a feeling that began after last season and increased during the summer when the local players trained together. She credits her teammates for making her more comfortable on the court because this allows her to realize what she can accomplish and she knows what they can do.
"Milia is a good leader on the floor," Wahine coach Vince Goo said. "She is in her third year and knows what we want and is a good communicator with the other four players on the floor."
Said Macfarlane: "My teammates and coaches support me so much that I feel they have faith in what I can do and in my potential."
A volleyball and basketball standout at Punahou, Macfarlane always knew basketball was the sport she would pursue in college. She, April Atuaia and Jade Abele, the only upperclassmen on the roster, are the team captains.
"We take on a leadership role, but mostly we are there for support. We can be an outlet for the girls, lend an ear if need be," said Macfarlane.
An elementary education major, Macfarlane plans to continue at UH for her master's degree, then move to the mainland and teach while working on her doctorate degree.
When that happens, her parents, Martha and Walter Macfarlane, will have to figure out a way to get a continuing supply of flowers to their daughter. Milia's trademark off the court is wearing a flower behind her left ear at all times, something she says even shows up in her baby pictures.
Wahine basketball
What: Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort ClassicWhen: Today, Washington vs. Maine, 1 p.m.; Hawaii vs. Lipscomb, 3 p.m. Tomorrow: Third place, 3 p.m.; Championship, 5 p.m.
Where: Stan Sheriff Center
TV: Sunday's Hawaii game, KFVE, Channel 5
Radio: Both Hawaii games live, KKEA, 1420-AM
Tickets: All seats general admission. $7 adults, $6 seniors. Children (age 4-18) and UH students with valid ID free.
Parking: $3
Probable starters with 2002-03 statistics
HAWAII (0-0) Ht. Pts. Reb. Ast. G Milia Macfarlane (Jr.) 5-5 1.2 0.7 0.8 F April Atuaia (Sr.) 5-10 10.6 4.5 2.0 F Jade Abele (Jr.) 6-1 9.7 3.6 4.1 F Pam Tambini (Fr.) 5-10 First year C Brittany Grice (Fr.) 6-4 First year LIPSCOMB (0-0) Ht. Pts. Reb. Ast. G Kendra Ramsey (Sr.) 5-6 5.5 3.1 4.1 W Courtney Boynton (Jr.) 5-9 11.8 5.4 1.9 F Julie Martin (Fr.) 5-10 First year P Katie Beth Pate (So.) 6-5 9.2 7.5 0.3 P Monica Blake (Sr.) 5-9 5.7 4.0 1.2
