PC rebound record holder Fenumiai signs with Evergreen State
When it came time for Juneau’s Gabi Fenumiai to pick where she wanted to finish her college career, her decision went beyond basketball.
She wanted pursue her degree in early childhood education while playing a key role on the women’s basketball team.
She got the best of both worlds at Evergreen State College.
Fenumiai has signed with the NAIA school in Olympia, Wash., where she will be a junior this fall.
“I felt like it was a good fit because it appealed to me beyond athletics,” she told me. “Academically I felt as though I would be able to thrive and their programs worked for me.”
The 6-foot forward left behind an indelible impact at Peninsula College, where she shattered the school’s career rebounding record and led the Pirates to their first NWAC championship.
“Moving on for me is bittersweet,” she said. “I’m ready to grow more as a player and a person, but leaving my family at Peninsula College is going to be rough. The experience I had there is one that I can’t even put into words.”
Fenumiai finished her career with 558 rebounds – the previous record was 382 held by fellow former Juneau-Douglas star Danielle Larson.
Fenumiai also holds school records for most rebounds in a game [23] and a season [303].
“I’ve been blessed with amazing teammates that truly have become family and I’ve been blessed with living in a community that gives an overwhelming amount of support to our team,” she said. “And most importantly I’ve been blzeed with a coach who impacted my game and my life.
“Coach Crumb was always there to push me. She knew my potential and never let me fall below it. She’s been an incredible mentor and friend, and she alone was a big reason why I will miss Peninsula.”