In a move that has stunned the volleyball community, the University of Hawaiʻi has announced the termination of Robyn Ah Mow-Santos as the head coach of the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team. This decision comes amid swirling controversies, marking a significant shift for a program deeply intertwined with her legacy.
Ah Mow-Santos, a Honolulu native, has been a central figure in Hawaiʻi volleyball for decades. As a player from 1993 to 1996, she earned two AVCA First-Team All-America selections and led the Rainbow Wahine to the NCAA championship match in 1996. Her exceptional performance secured her a place in the UH Sports Circle of Honor in 2006.
Transitioning to coaching, Ah Mow-Santos served as an assistant coach from 2011 to 2015 before being appointed head coach in 2017, succeeding the legendary Dave Shoji. Under her leadership, the team achieved notable success, including three Big West regular-season titles (2019, 2021, 2022) and two Big West tournament championships (2023, 2024). She was also honored twice as the Big West Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2021.
The university’s decision to part ways with Ah Mow-Santos has left fans and players seeking clarity. As of now, specific details surrounding the controversy leading to her dismissal have not been fully disclosed. The university has stated that an interim coaching staff will be appointed while a comprehensive search for a new head coach is conducted.
This development marks a significant turning point for the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program. Supporters and the broader volleyball community will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping for transparency and a resolution that honors the program’s storied history and upholds its commitment to excellence.
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