BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Coming off a strong 2024-25, Coach Katy Barrett has immediately began adding talent for the 2025-26 roster. Incoming Sophomore Rena Kaneko, a transfer from the University of Redlands, will be joining the Roadrunners this upcoming Fall.

Head Coach Katy Barrett Baxter on what Rena Kaneko will bring to the 2025-26 Roadrunners:

“We are excited for Rena to join the team. She will be a strong addition to our lineup and team culture. During her time at the University of Redlands she was able to get the necessary coaching and be in an environment to prepare her for the next level. She knows what it takes to win, which is very apparent from her performance this year.”

Rena Kaneko

• 5-foot-5
• From Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
• Went to Palos Verdes Peninsula HS
  • Coached by Todd DeAngelis
  • Had a decorated high school career
    • Was the back-to-back MVP in 2020-21 & 2021-22
    • Earned the Coaches award in 2021-22
    • Captain Award in 2022-23
    • Captain, Player, and Athlete of the Year Award in 2023-24
  • Won the Ocean League Girls Golf Championship shooting 71 (-1) in 2024
• Transferring after one season at the University of Redlands
  • Coached by Jamie Zantua
  • Earned Newcomer of the Year, All-West Region awards, and University of Redlands Scholar-Athlete Award
  • Won the individual title in the Orange and Black Invitational held in Tualatin, Ore., her effort also helped the Bulldogs place first
    • Shot 76 (+4) and 78 (+6) in the two rounds
  • At the Tri-Match versus Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College and Hope International, Kaneko tied for first on the individual leaderboard with a round of 74 (+2)
  • In the NCAA DIII Women’s National Championship, Kaneko finished tied for fifth place
    • Finished with a score of 291 (78 (+6), 69 (-3), 72 (E), 72 (E))