Women’s Basketball Adds Two Guards to Signing Class – University of Hawai’i at Manoa Athletics

HONOLULU — The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team added two more guards to the 2024-25 roster with the signing of Kira-May Filemu, a freshman from Australia, and Mia ‘Uhlia, a transfer from Portland State.
 
UH head coach Laura Beeman announced the signings on Monday, raising the ‘Bows’ incoming class to five newcomers. Filemu’s signing gives the Rainbow Wahine four freshmen from Down Under, joining Danijela Kujovic (Victoria, Australia) and Rebecca Moors and Ritorya Tamilo (both from Auckland, New Zealand). She also adds international experience to the roster as a member of Samoa’s national program. ‘Uhila’s family is originally from Maui and the former Alaska high school standout will spend her final collegiate season in the islands after starting all 31 games last season at Portland State.
 
Kira-May Filemu
Freshman

Guard, 5 foot 11

Wattle Grove, New South Wales, Australia
• Graduated from Westfields Sports High School in 2023 and played for the Bankstown Bruins club team.
• Helped Westfield capture the Australian All Schools Nationals U20 Division championship in 2022. Averaged 21.6 points per game in the tournament.
• Helped Westfield reach the Championship Division title game of the 2023 Foot Locker Australian School Championships. Averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Scored 20 points with three 3-pointers in the final.
• Helped Bankstown win the Premier League U18 championship and earned the Scott Fenton Basketballer of the Year award in 2023.
• Played for Samoa’s national program and averaged 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in the 2023 Pacific Games and 18 ppg and 12.3 rpg in the 2022 U18 Women’s Asian Championship. Averaged 18.8 points and 16.2 rebounds in the B Division of the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup.
 
Coach Beeman on Kira-May Filemu: “We are excited to welcome another talented student-athlete from Australia. Kira-May will bring size to our guard position and her ability to navigate on ball screens will be a huge asset within our offense. Kira-Mayʻs international experience will give us additional depth and experience on our roster. She comes from a background rich in family values which will compliment our locker room. We are excited to welcome Kira-May to Hawai’i!”
 
Mia ‘Uhila
Senior

Guard, 5 foot 8

Anchorage, Alaska
• Played in 84 games in three seasons at Portland State and started all 31 games for the Vikings in the 2023-24 season.
• Averaged 30.7 minutes per game as a junior and ranked fourth on the team with 8.5 points per game and was second with 86 assists. Also averaged 4.9 rebounds per game and led the Vikings with 39 steals.
• Scored in double figures in 12 games last season, including a season-high 20-point performance against Oregon.
• Recorded her first double-double with 19 points (on 8-for-10 shooting) and 10 rebounds against Northern Arizona on Jan. 18.
• Three-time Academic All-Big Sky selection.
• Graduated from Bartlett (Alaska) High School in 2021.
• Named Alaska’s Gatorade Player of the Year and MaxPreps Alaska High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year in 2021.
• Led Bartlett to the state and regional titles in 2021 and was named 4A Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
• Three-time first-team All-State selection and four-time All-Region selection.
 
Coach Beeman on Mia ‘Uhila: “Mia is no stranger to Hawai’i and will have an immediate impact on our roster. Having played significant minutes throughout her Division I career, she will bring leadership and a hard-nosed style to our guard position. Her skill set allows her to play with or without the ball in her hands. A seasoned vet, her voice and experience on the court will be greatly welcomed. With family on Maui, Mia understands the culture of Hawai’i and our community. We are excited to welcome Mia home!”

University of Hawai’i Women’s Basketball Signing Class

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