The interim tag has been lifted from the title of University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo volleyball coach Chris Leonard‘s nameplate, officially confirming him as the full-time leader of the Vulcan program.
“I am thankful to Pat Guillen and the selection committee for the opportunity to continue to lead the Vulcan volleyball program,” Leonard said. “It is such a storied-program with a long history of success that is memorialized by the banners that hang from our rafters and a mural in our gym that features so many great Vulcans from the past. I’m excited to continue my work with our great student-athletes and staff to build a program that we can all be proud of for years to come.”
Leonard was named the interim coach last July for the 2019 season, leading the Vulcans to an NCAA postseason berth for the first time since 2011. The Vulcans went 23–8 overall, advanced to the NCAA West Region tournament, and finished 18–4 in the Pacific West Conference, good for second place.
“Chris proved to me this past season that he could not only lead our program now but also into the future at championship competitive levels,” said UH Hilo Athletic Director Patrick Guillen. “He has demonstrated strong leadership abilities and places a high priority on ways and methods to help provide the very best student-athlete experience. But even more importantly he has shown a great ability to be a positive role model and mentor to our players in teaching the necessary life skills required to be a champion off the court as well.”
For the full story, visit the UH Hilo Athletics website.
