Robyn Ah Mow has announced her resignation as head coach of the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team. The decision, effective immediately, comes after nine years in the role.
Ah Mow said, “This decision was not easy,” and followed a great deal of reflection.
Focus on Family After Storied Tenure
Ah Mow stated, “The time has come to focus on my family who have sacrificed so much time with me so I could fulfill my dream of being the head coach of this storied program.”
During her tenure, Ah Mow achieved a 165-72 (.696) overall record. She also had a 114-28 (.803) record with the Big West after succeeding Dave Shoji in 2017 and reached seven NCAA tournaments. She was also a three-time Big West Coach of the Year.
“I gave this team everything I had,” she said.
She added, “My goal was always to push these players to be the best they could be, but more importantly, to make sure they leave here as strong, successful women. Wearing the ‘H’ was a privilege when I played, and coaching this program has been a true honor.”
Volleyball Community Reacts
Many within the volleyball community have reacted with surprise. UH volleyball analyst Ryan Kalei Tsuji called the news “a little shocking”.
Tsuji added, “I think many people who have been following this program for some time but you have to look at the timing of this and recognize that this probably was not an easy decision making a decision to resign three to four months before the start of the season, a few weeks out from this school year calendar, had to have been a difficult decision to make this decision to step down.”
Interim Coach Named, Search Begins
Associate Head Coach Kaleo Baxter will serve as interim head coach, according to UH.
Baxter has worked alongside Ah Mow for her entire tenure. Before his promotion to assistant under Ah Mow, he served as director of operations under Shoji.
A national search for a permanent head coach for the women’s volleyball program will begin immediately.
Before her coaching career, Ah Mow was a legend at UH and an Olympic silver medalist with Team USA in 2008.