To one longtime coach, Blythe Yamamoto was symbolic of the well-rounded local athlete who, because more opportunities were becoming available for girls in sports, was able to participate, compete and excel at Punahou.
A three-sport star, Yamamoto earned four varsity letters in volleyball, another four in basketball and three in softball. A freshman starter on all three squads, Yamamoto was twice selected to the All-ILH Volleyball First Team and twice named Second Team All-ILH in softball.
She went on to play volleyball at the University of Hawai‘i before entering the ranks of high school coaching and turning ‘Aiea into a perennial power in the OIA. From 1995 to 2009, she coached ‘Aiea to eight OIA West Championships while earning coach of the year honors six times.