Hawaii Pacific University hires Katie Novak to replace fired basketball coach Reid Takatsuka
HONOLULU — Hawaii Pacific University has turned to Katie Novak to lead its women’s basketball program following the controversial firing of its former coach.
HPU has been without a head coach since April, when it formally dismissed Reid Takatsuka for what it called “a pattern of conduct that violated university policy.”
The Sharks were a perennial conference contender under Takatsuka, but allegations of verbal and mental mistreatment from some of his players arose near the end of his tenure; Takatsuka was suspended by Athletic Director Debbie Snell six games into the 2021-22 season. Other players defended him and his methods, resulting in divisions within the team and anger directed at athletic administration. Some of the Sharks’ most talented players left for other schools.
