Wade likely staying with Hawai'i volleyball

Advertiser Staff

Barring an 11th-hour change of heart, University of Hawai'i women's volleyball associate head coach Charlie Wade appears likely to remain with the Rainbow Wahine after being a finalist for the vacant Fresno State head coaching job.

Wade, 41, declined comment other than to say UH will release a statement today on his plans. "There's a release coming out (this) morning," Wade said.

Fresno State, which brought in Wade for an on-campus interview, said it had no plans for an announcement today. "I don't think we're going to (make an announcement)," said Scott Johnson, Fresno State athletic director. "We're still in the interview process and the committee hasn't given me any recommendations yet."

Johnson declined to confirm Wade was remaining at UH, where he has been an assistant on Dave Shoji's staff for 10 years, the last five as associate head coach. "He's the only one who can confirm that," Johnson said.

The chairwoman of the Fresno State search committee, associate athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois, was said to be in depositions all day and not available for comment.

"Whatever he ends up doing he has my blessing," Shoji said. "Obviously if he stays it's great. If he goes, it's great for him. I would be happy with it."

Wade's salary range at UH tops out at $58,716 plus camp earnings on a one-year renewable contract. The Fresno State job offers a multiyear contract that pays a maximum of $99,012 annually plus camp revenue.

As Shoji's top assistant, Wade helped guide the Rainbow Wahine to a 30-1 record this past season. Wade also served as substitute head coach in two matches this season while Shoji took care of family matters.

Seven former Shoji assistants have gone on to become college head coaches. Wade has been considered for several jobs, including the University of Washington.

The Fresno State coaching position opened last month when Lindy Vivas' contract was not renewed after 14 years.

Vivas, a 1975 Punahou graduate and active recruiter of Hawai'i student-athletes, led the Bulldogs to three NCAA tournaments and a record of 263-167. She was 15-13 last season.

Her attorney, Rayma Church, said the coach is pursuing legal action against the school, saying Vivas was released in retaliation for her outspokenness on Title IX problems at the school.

FSU officials said her release was performance-based.