After being introduced as the new University of Hawaii head coach for men’s volleyball, Charlie Wade, covered in lei and emotion, acknowledged: “We’re home.”

Wade succeeds Mike Wilton, who is retiring from the UH system after 17 seasons as head coach. Wilton’s current three-year contract expires June 30. He already has accepted an assistant coach’s position for the Brigham Young University women’s volleyball team.
Wade was the top assistant to Rainbow Wahine volleyball coach Dave Shoji for 11 years before becoming Pacific’s head coach in 2006.
Wade’s wife was raised in Hawaii, his two chldren were born here, and he still owns a house in Kailua.
Wade will receive a five-year contract worth at least $100,000 annually in base pay.
Because the financial terms fall within the position’s current salary range, Wade’s appointment only needs approval from UH president David McClain and Manoa chancellor Virgina Hinshaw.
He is scheduled to begin work June 15.
Wade had an impressive in-person interview Wednesday, earning overhwlming praise — and the recommendation — from the six-member selection committee.
UH athletic director Jim Donovan, who attended the interview but did not participate in post-meeting discussions, accepted the committee’s recommendation Wednesday night.
Donovan then notified Upper Campus that he would recommend Wade as the fifth head coach in the program’s 50-year history.
During his presentation to the selection committee, Wade outlined a four-point plan to re-connect with Hawaii’s volleyball community and fans, and improve local recruiting.
“If you’re good enough to play in the MPSF, we want you on our team,” Wade said.
UH associate head coach Tino Reyes, Pepperdine assisant coach and former Punahou standout Scott Wong, and Rainbow Wahine assistant coach Mike Sealy were the other finalists.