Former UH libero Kolby Kanetake returns to Manoa as Rainbow Wahine assistant coach

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team is off to a strong start this season, bolstered by the return of a familiar face to the coaching staff.

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Former Rainbow Warrior standout Kolby Kanetake has returned to Manoa as an assistant coach for the Rainbow Wahine, following six years as an assistant for the Chaminade women’s volleyball program.

“First of all, just being back here at my alma mater is an amazing experience, and I was really grateful to have a great experience here as a student athlete,” Kanetake said. “Getting the opportunity to be back here and contribute to Rainbow Wahine Volleyball, which has such a rich history and culture, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so it’s something that I’m very grateful for.”

A Moanalua High School graduate, Kanetake was a two-time All-American libero for the Rainbow Warriors, finishing his collegiate playing career third all-time in program history with 775 digs.

His return also reunites him with Rainbow Wahine head coach Joshua Walker, who coached Kanetake during his senior season with the Rainbow Warriors.

“When he came on board, we had a great relationship and I just saw how hard he worked for us and for the program,” Kanetake said. “Ever since graduating, we kept in touch and followed each other’s careers.”

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In his current role, Kanetake primarily oversees the team’s back-row defense while collaborating closely with associate head coach Heather Olmstead to fortify the net defense. That work is already showing results, with middle blocker Miliana Sylvester tallying 48 total blocks.

“We’ve been able to collaborate about defense behind the block and what that looks like and just pick each other’s brains about how we want to play defense behind the block, how we want to block, but he’s doing a great job,” Olmstead said. “I love learning from him.”

Players say Kanetake’s guidance from the sideline has made an immediate impact during matches.

“You see us looking at him when we’re serving or on defense and he kind of gives us good cues and they’re always right, so it’s working,” Sylvester said.

For Kanetake, representing Hawaii extends far beyond the stat sheet.

“Everybody knows that when you’re wearing the H, you’re not only representing yourself in the program, but you’re representing the entire state,” Kanetake said. “Just being that role model so that they can know that they can accomplish their dreams I think it does mean a lot more, and that’s something that is really exciting and special.”

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