Posted at 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2002
UH selects new coach in Wahine water polo
Advertiser Staff
The University of Hawai'i athletic department is adding to its international flavor and range, moving to hire Michel Roy of Canada as its new women's water polo coach.Roy, 41, has spent more than 20 years coaching the sport, including time with both Canada's national senior and junior men's and women's teams.
His hiring has been recommended to UH President Evan Dobelle. Roy's wife, Linda, said her husband is expected to sign a contract this weekend.
Terms of the agreement have not been announced, but Roy is expected to receive a three-year deal that is worth substantially more than the $45,000 his predecessor, Shari Smart, reportedly received.
Smart, who began the Rainbow Wahine program in 1997, resigned in May citing a wish to spend more time with her growing family. She gave birth to her third child in January.
Roy has been involved with water polo since age 12, when he took up the sport in his native Quebec.
Roy was named the 2001 all-sports Provincial Coach of the Year for his efforts in raising the quality of sports in British Columbia, Canada. He created a 12-team water polo program involving more than 130 athletes from the province and raised funds to assist economically deprived athletes.
His BC teams have won 28 national titles and placed more than 50 players on national teams.
Currently he coaches the powerful Pacific Storm club team in Vancouver, B. C.
Roy is expected to join UH in the fall pending the completion of the visa process.
