Saying “she knows it is going to be a lot of work, but she is excited,” athletic director David Matlin announced Robyn Ah Mow-Santos as the successor to Dave Shoji as head coach of the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball team today.

Ah Mow-Santos, who was introduced at a campus press conference, will be the third coach overall and first female to head the program in the 44-year history of women’s volleyball at the school.

Ah Mow-Santos was one of three finalists who interviewed for the position, Matlin said. She will receive a three-year contract.

UH did not disclose her salary, but the range, as set by Board of Regents policy, is $76,440-$143,472

Ah Mow-Santos, who played for Shoji from 1993 to 1996 and was a two-time AVCA first-team All-America selection (1995 and ‘96), said, “I am excited and humbled at the same time. Replacing Dave Shoji is impossible. I will never forget what he has done for me personally as well as the Hawaii volleyball program. Dave walked me out of the McKinley High School gym and into the Rainbow Wahine program that created a lot of opportunities for me. It’s a privilege for me to be able to give back to the university and the game that has given me so much. I look forward to reuniting with the student-athletes and hope that I can help create lasting impressions and unforgettable experiences for them.”

Shoji, who was on campus, said in a statement, “After much discussion with my wife, Mary, and my immediate family we felt the time was right to step away from coaching. I feel truly humbled and honored to have coached for 42 years and I’m grateful for all the support from our great fans, student-athletes, assistant coaches and administration. The selection of Robyn Ah Mow-Santos is an excellent choice. She has the passion for the game; she found success at every level as a player; and she paid her dues as an assistant coach and is now ready to assume a head coaching position. She will have my full support and I wish her nothing but the best.”

Matlin said, “We are excited about the return of Robyn Ah Mow-Santos to the (UH) Rainbow Wahine Volleyball program. There is no other person I can think of who represents the sport of volleyball, the spirit of Hawaii, and the heart of a champion more than Robyn. She was impressive as a student-athlete, a leader of Team USA in three Olympic Games and is an incredible role model for all young athletes. I know she will be able to get the best out of her student-athletes both in the classroom and on the court.”

From 2011 to 2015, Ah Mow-Santos served as assistant coach under Shoji, mentoring former UH setter Mita Uiato, who earned three all-league honors and honorable mention All-America recognition.

In 2014, Ah Mow-Santos was on the coaching staff of the U.S. Junior National Team for the NORCECA Women’s U-20 Continental Championship. Most recently, she has been coaching the Vegas Aces club team.