At least 10 members of the University of Hawaii women’s basketball team and three recruits are said to have signed a petition endorsing Gavin Petersen’s candidacy for the head coaching job.

The petition has been presented to school officials, players said. A search is under way to select a replacement for Dana Takahara-Dias, who was fired March 7 at the end of the season.

Freshman guard Malia Cravens said the petition was started by players and recruit Shahana Ziegler said, “I think almost everybody signed it.”

“We think he (Petersen) is a great coach who knows what he is doing,” said Kanisha Bello, a sophomore guard.

Petersen was an associate head coach for the Rainbow Wahine this season, his second stint with the team. He’s also been an assistant at Idaho and Idaho State.

Petersen and former Punahou School coach Mike Taylor are two of the more than 41 candidates who have applied for the position. UH has declined to disclose the candidates. A four-member search advisory committee is assisting athletic director Jim Donovan.