Posted on: Friday, July 9, 2004

Ex-UNLV coach expected to lead UH

By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer

All signs point to a former Nevada-Las Vegas coach being named as the head of the University of Hawai'i women's basketball program.

Jim Bolla, who has not coached in eight years and has been running a barbecue business in Las Vegas, is expected to be recommended to the Board of Regents next week.

UH athletics director Herman Frazier said earlier an offer had been made, but would not confirm the candidate.

In June, The Advertiser reported that the search to replace longtime coach Vince Goo was down to two candidates: Bolla and former Rainbow Wahine assistant Da Houl.

Houl said yesterday she was told on June 25 the job would not be offered to her.

UH sports media relations director Lois Manin said there would be no comment from Frazier, who is out of town. Bolla did not return phone calls.

"He's very different from Vince, his style of coaching is different," said UH senior point guard and captain Milia Macfarlane, who was on the search committee.

"Like Vince, he also believes strongly in family and school, the importance of those two."

The search started with 91 applicants to replace Goo, who was UH head coach for 17 years.

The field was narrowed to four: Bolla, Houl, Bo Overton, and Florida State head coach Sue Semrau.

Overton accepted a head coaching job at Missouri-Kansas City, and Semrau decided to remain at her current position.

Macfarlane, along with search committee members, held phone interviews with all four.

She said Bolla was the only one brought in for an in-person interview.

"He's very lively, it seemed like he was genuine and really loves the game and wants to get back into it," Macfarlane said.

"He's a nice guy," Houl said. "I've known him for a long time through coaching."

Houl, whose contract as an assistant coach expired June 30, said she is undecided about her future.

"The kids have been calling every day, they've been apprehensive," Houl said. "We tell our kids, it doesn't matter who it is, you have to give it your best shot."

Bolla and his then-wife, Sheila Strike-Bolla, were a successful coaching tandem for the UNLV Lady Rebels in the mid-1980s, amassing a record of 142-43. On his own, Bolla had six winning seasons for the Lady Rebels, but was fired in 1996 after a 4-21 season.

The search committee recommended the candidates, but Frazier is empowered to select Goo's successor. UH-Manoa chancellor Peter Englert and the school's Board of Regents have final approval. The next Board of Regents meeting is July 15 and 16.

Goo collected more wins than any other basketball coach in school history (334-166), but his success as a coach isn't limited to the court.

All 41 Rainbow Wahine who have completed their eligibility at UH received their degrees.

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.