Coach Alyson Kawaka begins her 5th year as the head coach for the Olympic College Women’s basketball program. Alumni herself, she was brought on during the 2019-2020 season as the associate head coach before taking the reins from Dave Hawkins in 2020.

A Long Beach, CA, native, Chandler moved to Kitsap County at the age of 12 and started developing her love for the game. After competing with Olympic High school, she graduated and continued her basketball career at Olympic College for the 2012 season and was given the coaches award. Taking some time off, Alyson returned to the Ranger lineup in the 2017 basketball season and was awarded “Most Inspirational” by her team. 

Before stepping into coaching at the collegiate level, Alyson coached AAU basketball for the North Mason Bulldogs, focusing on individual player development. Being a Ranger alumnus, Alyson was excited to pursue this role not only for the chance to coach at her previous college but also for the opportunity to help female athletes reach their dreams of playing basketball at a four-year institution. “I want the young women to not only have a successful career in basketball, but love the game forever.” 

Her coaching philosophy is simple yet effective. On the court, she prides her team on focusing on what they can control, centered around their energy, effort, and actions. “At Olympic, we focus on correcting and maintaining the right actions. Trust your training,” Alyson stated. “With the right energy, focus, and effort, results will come and will become consistent.” Off the court, Chandler holds her team to the same high standard in academics, health, and self-representation. 

During the off-season, Alyson competes in various women’s leagues and competitive 3 on 3 tournaments. “I love the spring/summer time to get back on the court myself and stay current on how the game evolves” says Coach. Also, she enjoys spending the summertime paddle boarding, hiking, and simply absorbing the sunshine.