Jason Salmeri has resigned as University of Hawai'i assistant volleyball coach to become a New Jersey state trooper.

Salmeri's last UH practice was yesterday afternoon.

"This is something I wanted to do for a long time," said Salmeri, a former UH middle blocker and professional player in Europe.

Salmeri was working as a bank official in Virginia when he applied to be a trooper in January 2005.

"That was way before this (UH) job was even open," Salmeri said.

When he didn't hear from the New Jersey Police Department, he accepted an offer to rejoin the Warriors. He was a volunteer assistant during the fall 2005 semester and became a fulltime assistant coach in January 2006.

With the Warriors, he was involved in recruiting, weight-training, coaching the middle blockers and offering advice on serving and hitting.

"He knew the mechanics and fundamentals of the game," UH setter Brian Beckwith said. "We're definitely going to miss his experience."

Salmeri said he recently was notified of his acceptance. He said his parents are from New Jersey, and an uncle is a state trooper.

He said the starting pay — more than double the estimated $30,000 he earns at UH — will allow him to "start life and, maybe, have a house."

He said it has been a long-time goal to serve in law enforcement. He said he planned to pursue a master's degree in criminology if he wasn't accepted into the state-trooper program.

He said the police academy's six-month training program begins March 5.

Before that, he needs to attend a two-night training program and undergo a series of tests.

"There's not much free time," Salmeri said.

Middle blocker Kyle Klinger said Salmeri's international experience has been helpful.

"He played under a lot of different coaches," Klinger said. "He brought a pro mentality to our team.

"He was good for us, and I'm sure (the program) was good for him," Klinger added. "I think both Jason and the team got a lot out of the experience. He did a lot of good things for the team."

UH coach Mike Wilton said he was saddened to see Salmeri leave.

"I love this guy," Wilton said. "I personally invited him to come and do this. But (becoming a trooper) is his dream, and dreams must be followed, especially for a young guy."

Salmeri said: "It's not easy to leave, but that's what happens. I played many years in Europe. You play for a team, then you leave the next year. It's sad.

"I would have loved to see some of these guys blossom into what I think they're capable of. I'd like to help them work through the problems they have now. I think the problems are because of youth. Time takes care of that."

Wilton said there are no immediate plans to fill the job.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.