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 a quarter century 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.

"He (Roy) will bring a lot of good things to UH," said Marie-Luc Arpin, who led the NCAA in scoring in 1997 before leaving to play for Canada's Olympic team. "I played for him for four years and he's a great coach."

Roy has more than 15 years experience coaching Canada's teams in international competition. He 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 B.C. teams have won 28 national titles and placed more than 50 players on national teams.

"His expertise and the respect he commands internationally will do a lot for Hawai'i," said Brian Gardiner, past president of Water Polo Canada.

Roy currently coaches the powerful Pacific Storm club team in Vancouver, B. C.