One of the University of Hawaii football team’s top recruits has never been timed in the 40-yard dash nor bench-pressed 225 pounds.

But head coach Norm Chow said Monica Morita’s hiring as executive assistant is an "important" addition to the Rainbow Warriors.

"She’s very talented," Chow said. "We’re fortunate to have her."

Morita, a Waiakea High graduate, was at USC for a quarter century, serving as director of student services the past 12 years. She also was an assistant to former USC football coaches Paul Hackett and Pete Carroll. Last month, Morita was named the USC athletic department’s "2014 staff member of the year."

Morita will have several administrative duties at UH, most notably as an academic liaison. Morita, in essence, is No. 2 in Chow’s administration. In his absence, Chow said, "she’s in charge.’

Morita worked with Chow when he was USC’s offensive coordinator. Chow was a member of the dissertation committee when Morita was pursuing a doctorate degree. She earned her Ed.D while working full-time.

"I don’t recommend it to anybody," Morita said of the dual responsibilities, "unless you want to have no life and want to be stressed out."

Morita has been able to handle a high-paced workload. Carroll, who famously adores Mountain Dew, did not have a "pause" button.

"He was running all over the place all the time," Morita said. "He was always fast running around, thinking, meeting people."

Morita said she decided to leave USC to be closer to her mother, who lives in Hilo.

"She’s getting older; I’m getting older." Morita said. "It’s nice to come back (to Hawaii)."