After four seasons, and just as rumors are surfacing that 2006 U.S. Women's Amateur champ Kimberly Kim is contemplating a return to Hawai'i for college, Ashley Biffle resigned as head coach of the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine golf team, effective the end of June.

"It was a very difficult decision, but I have decided to stay home with my 6-month-old daughter, Lila Grace," Biffle said. "I feel it is best for me, my family and the team."

Biffle helped the 'Bows reach their first NCAA regional last year, when Pukalani's Dale Gammie was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year. UH finished third at the WAC Championships the past two years — its highest since joining the conference in 1996. It was led this year by senior Xyra Suyetsugu, a Roosevelt alum and all-WAC honoree.

"We knew the program could be competitive and she came in and took it to the next level," said associate athletic director Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano, forming a committee to replace Biffle. "We appreciate all her efforts and the exposure she has given our women's golf program."

Meanwhile, Kim has told friends and former coach Matt Hall that she is "very serious" about coming home for college. The No. 1 girl in the AJGA's Polo Rankings, born and raised in Hilo, moved to Arizona for high school and will graduate in a year.

"She has a comfort level here," said Hall, Turtle Bay's director of golf. "She really misses Hawai'i, she really enjoys Hawai'i.

"She could have a significant impact on a program like that. ... Obviously, with no coach at this point it's tough, but she's 15 months away from going to college. She'd rather have them change coaches now than when she gets there.

"If she decides to go there and they are able to capture another top-50 junior or two then all of a sudden that's a top-50 or top-25 team."

Biffle's position was posted yesterday. Athletics director Jim Donovan hopes to have a new coach before school starts.

"I think both the men's and women's golf teams have a lot of the potential support they need to be very successful," Donovan said. "I'm looking to get someone who can come in and leverage the junior golf we have in the state to get local players, and supplement that with Mainland players."

Along with the new coach, Corie Hou — fourth at the last two WAC Championships — will also lead Hawai'i into the future. The Australian is one of three juniors on the current roster, with Phyllis Lai, from Hong Kong, and Punahou graduate Erin Matsuoka. Carolina Perez, from Colombia, is a senior.

Baldwin graduate Kelcie Kawano, the state high school runner-up last year, is the only freshman recruit so far. Biffle e-mailed Kawano to tell her of the resignation. Kawano has a pretty good idea what she would like to see in the fall.

"I'd not only appreciate having a coach teach me technique and skills, but be someone I can talk to," Kawano said. "Someone I can build a good relationship with and be relaxed around."