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Former UH volleyball stars provide excitement and look ahead

Former UH volleyball stars provide excitement and look ahead

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7 people posing behind an ESPN table
From left: Kupono Fey, Charlie Wade, Kanoa Leahey, Costas Theocharidis, ‘Eleu Choy, Alex Parks, Kurt Nusterer (Photo credit: Kira Diehm)

The University of Hawaii in Mānoa, the men’s volleyball alumni community celebrated their past and present with a special talk story session between UH Sports commentator Kanoa Leahey and former outstanding player Costas Theocharidis (BA ’03, UH Mānoa), as well as a Q&A with Head Coach Charlie Wade, Assistant Coach Kupono Fey (BA ’17, UH Mānoa) and current Rainbow Warrior players.

Warrior for life

“I look back on my volleyball career,” said Theocharidis, whose nickname was “Greece Lightning,” “now I realize that sport gives you the platform to continuously strive for excellence in everything you do in life.”

Person interviewing a volleyball player
Kanoa Leahey (left) and Costas Theocharidis (right) talk about their stories. (Photo: Kira Diehm)

Theocharidis is one of the most decorated UH volleyball player of all time and was the first four-time AVCA All-American in the history of men’s volleyball.

He recently published his memoirs, Costas: Warrior for lifeand it relives his journey as a Rainbow Warrior.

“You can watch all the games, but if you are not there, you will not do it justice,” said Theocharidis. “I bring my wife and my daughters to Hawaii so that they can experience what I was able to experience. It is about the people and the culture. When we talk about Aloha and ʻOhanait’s not words, it’s actions. I had to give something back to the fans and everything they’ve done for me.”

Goals, expectations, community

Wade and Fey later shared their goals for the 2025 season.

“Last year we felt like it wasn’t a particularly good year because we weren’t playing for a national championship like we have been for the last five years,” Wade said. “We’re not lowering those expectations at all. We’re still on an ascending streak, and the amount of talent we’re bringing on board makes it a really exciting time for us.”

Former UH volleyball stars provide excitement and look ahead
Kupono Fey, left, and Kimo Kai, right, in UH MVB Past and present event. (Photo credit: Kira Diehm)

Fey has seen UH Men’s volleyball program from many perspectives – as a Rainbow Warrior and captain of the 2017 team that advanced to the NCAA Semifinals. Now in his second season as an assistant coach, Fey reflected on what this community means to him.

“It’s a real honor to coach alongside Charlie and Milan after playing for them,” Fey said. “The best part is seeing all the guys who have been here since day one, even though we haven’t won any championships. I’m really grateful to have them stick with us because we’ve always wanted to build something special and I’m really excited to see where we’re going.”

The UH The Foundation’s Alumni Office organized the event. Listen to the entire Q&A session at ESPN Hawaii.

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