Before taking over as head coach of the University of Hawaiʻi women’s water polo program, James Robinson was recognized as the nation’s top assistant by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC).
ACWPC announced its end-of-year awards on May 31 and Robinson was named the 2024 Women’s Assistant/Associate Coach of the Year.
Robinson completed his second season as UH associate head coach by helping current head coach Maureen Cole lead the Rainbow Wahine to a 23-4 season and their highest ranking in program history.
The season was highlighted by two wins over teams ranked No. 1 in the country (Stanford and USC) and a perfect run through the Big West regular-season schedule and conference tournament. The Rainbow Wahine made the program’s first appearance in the Women’s National Collegiate Water Polo Championship since 2021 and advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2013.
In November, Cole announced her retirement following the 2024 season and Robinson was officially announced as the Rainbow Wahine’s next head coach on March 5.
