The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men’s volleyball alumni community celebrated its past and present with a special talk story session between UH sports announcer Kanoa Leahey and former standout player Costas Theocharidis (BA ’03, UH Mānoa), plus 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 find myself looking back reflecting on my volleyball journey,” said Theocharidis, whose nickname was ‘Greece Lightning.’ “I see now that sports actually gives you the platform to continuously pursue excellence in everything you do in life.”
Theocharidis is one of the most decorated UH volleyball players of all time, becoming the first four-time AVCA All-American in men’s volleyball history.
He recently released a memoir, Costas: Warrior for Life, and it relives his journey as a Rainbow Warrior.
“You can watch all the games but unless you are there to experience it yourself, it doesn’t do it justice,” said Theocharidis. “I bring my wife and daughters to Hawaiʻi so that they can experience what I got to experience. It’s about the people and the culture. When we talk about Aloha and ʻOhana, it’s not words, but actions. I had to give back to the fans and all they have done for me.”
Goals, expectations, community
Later, Wade and Fey shared their goals for the 2025 season.
“Last year, we walked away feeling like it wasn’t a very good year because we weren’t playing for a national championship, like we have the past five years,” said Wade. “We are not lowering those expectations at all. We are still in an ascendant phase, the level of talent that we are bringing in makes it a really exciting time for us.”
Fey has seen the UH men’s volleyball program from many perspectives—as a Rainbow Warrior and the captain of the 2017 team that advanced to the NCAA semifinals. Now, in his second season as 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,” said Fey. “The best part about it is seeing all the people who have been here since day one, even when we weren’t winning championships. I really appreciate them sticking with us, because we’ve always wanted to build something special and I’m really excited about where we are going.”
The UH Foundation’s Office of Alumni Relations organized the event. Listen to the entire Q&A, at ESPN Honolulu.
