PORT ANGELES — Gabi Fenumiai became the third sophomore from Peninsula College’s Northwest Athletic Conference championship women’s basketball team to sign a letter of intent to play at a four-year school.
Fenumiai will be a Geoduck, having signed with Evergreen State College in Olympia.
“Gabi is one of those unique players to coach because she is so tough but very kind-hearted at the same [time],” Peninsula coach Alison Crumb said.
“The players respect her a lot, as do I. Her leadership was a key role in our success this year, and she is obviously a talented player, so we’re going to miss her greatly.”
Fenumiai, who came to Peninsula College from Juneau-Douglas High School in Juneau, Alaska, leaves the Pirates as the top rebounder in school history, and it isn’t even close.
She holds the records for most rebounds in a game (23), a season (303 in her freshman season) and a career (558). The previous career record holder, Danielle Larson, also a Juneau-Douglas graduate, finished her career with 382 rebounds.
As a sophomore, Fenumiai helped the Pirates win their first conference championship by averaging 11.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. She shot 57 percent from the field.
“Gabi was a force down below and created extra opportunities for herself and others because of her innate ability to rebound,” Crumb said.
“She was a high-percentage shooter and gave us double-doubles consistently, which was crucial.
“But with all of that aside, she is just a great kid. Our team really loves her and are all very sad she is going to be leaving. I’m just happy she is going somewhere close.”
The two other Peninsula sophomores who will continue their playing careers at four-year schools are Madison Pilster, who signed with College of Idaho last month, and Miranda Schmillen, who signed with Multnomah University last week.
