‘Sky Walker’ returns: New Rainbow Wahine volleyball coach embraces program’s legacy

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – New Rainbow Wahine volleyball head coach Joshua Walker spent the weekend recruiting and meeting with the team.

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As he begins his first head coaching job, Walker said he still can’t believe he’s taking the reins of an iconic program.

“It makes absolutely no sense to any human standards that my name is next to Alan Kang, David Shoji and Robyn Ah Mow,” said Walker.

Walker grew up in Virginia Beach as a multi-sport athlete, starting with basketball and eventually settling into volleyball — the sport that brought him to Hawaiʻi as a high-flying outside hitter.

“When I first got to the University of Hawaiʻi, I was thinking ‘Hey, I want to be a great player. I want to be an All-American. I want to win a national championship,’” said Walker. “By the time that I left, what really got me motivated was just knowing a fan would leave the arena with a smile on their face because we won.”

That connection with fans made Walker a fan favorite. The All-American even got the nickname “Sky Walker” for his larger-than-life presence on the court.

Walker remained close to the program, joining Charlie Wade’s staff in 2016 and helping lead the ‘Bows to two national titles.

However, a part of him always wanted to coach on the women’s side.

“My mom is very influential in my life. My sister, I wouldn’t even be playing volleyball if it wasn’t for my sister,” said Walker. “I had the opportunity to get into the women’s side which there are more opportunities but also just a chance to be around great powerful women.”

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Walker spent the last four seasons at Baylor University. He said he plans to apply what he learned there as Hawaiʻi prepares to join the Mountain West Conference.

“I just want to be a great steward of the program so I think in the end, just continue to find ways to give back to the university and continue to raise money. I think it’s a big factor for all of college athletics,” said Walker.

Walker calls his return to Mānoa a full-circle moment.

It’s also where he met his wife, former Wahine soccer player Tehane Higa. The couple now has five children.

Walker said they visited often, but admitted there’s nothing like calling Hawaiʻi home.

“I’m looking forward to getting some good broke-da-mouth sushi, some kalbi. I told Te, ‘Hey, I’m probably gonna gain some weight now,’” Walker said.

Walker is currently on the road recruiting, but plans to spend Father’s Day in Hawaiʻi with his family.

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