HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i men's volleyball coach Charlie Wade announced the signing of one of the state's top prep volleyball players, Austin Matautia of Moanalua High School in Honolulu.
 
"We are very excited to have Austin joining our program," Wade said. "Austin is one of the best players in the country at his position and is the best high school player in Hawai'i this year. This may be the first time ever the best boys volleyball player in the state has chosen to stay home and play for UH. I view this signing as a win for all UH sports fans. Having the best high school player in his or her respective sport stay home to represent Hawai'i is good for UH Athletics, it is good for all UH sports fans and it is great for the kid and his family. Austin understands what it means to represent UH, to represent Hawai'i and is looking forward to the responsibilities that come with being a Rainbow Warrior."
 
Matautia, a three-year varsity letterman for the Na Menehune, led the school to three straight third place finishes in the Hawai'i High School Athletic Assocation State Tournament. The Menehune captured the OIA East title in 2014 and '15 and both years Matautia was named the OIA East Player of the Year. In 2015, he was No. 3 on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Fab 15 all-state list and was also selected to Volleyball Magazine's 25 Underclassmen To Watch. Matautia was ranked No. 4 in the Star-Advertiser's Fab 15 list in 2014 and No. 8 in 2013.
 
"Austin is a dynamic athlete with a big jump and live arm," Wade added. "Volleyball fans will love his athleticism and his fast, aggressive attacking. This is a kid all sports fans will want to come out and support. One of the reasons Austin chose to stay home is because of the success the program is enjoying right now. The success we are having on the court and the fan support we receive made Austin's decision to go to UH easier for him. We want the fans to know their continued support of Warrior volleyball is greatly appreciated, helps us win and helps us attract great players."
 
The Honolulu native played club ball for Hawai'i Elite Southside Volleyball Club in 2015 and helped the squad to a 15^th place finish at the Boys Junior National Championships. As a member of Ka Ulukoa Volleyball Club in 2014, he helped the team to the Boys Junior National Championships 16s Club Division title and was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. In 2013, he was also named tourney MVP and helped the 15s Club team to the national championship. Matautia also played for Ku'ikahi Volleyball Club for two seasons.
 
From 2012-14, Matautia was a member of USA Volleyball High Performance A1 team and was an alternate for the U.S. Youth National Team. In 2013, his team captured first place in the USA Youth National Championships in Reno, Nev.