HONOLULU – The inaugural A'o A Koa Scholarship Dinner raised more than $30,000 for the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball program. The event was held Friday night at the Honolulu Country Club.
Organized by Al Chee of Chevron Hawai'i, the dinner featured an auction with sports memorabilia; travel; golf, hotel and event ticket packages; dinner certificates; and much more. A pair of autographed U.S. Olympic jerseys signed by
Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, who is serving as a student assistant coach for the men's volleyball program this season, went for $1,000 each.
Proceeds of the event will be used to defray costs associated with the UH Warrior Volleyball Youth Summer Camps, thereby making it affordable and possible for local youths to attend at no cost. Proceeds will also be used to help fund the summer school scholarships for current UH volleyball scholarship student-athletes.
“The evening was a tremendous success and I can't thank the community enough for their support of our program,” UH head coach Charlie Wade said. “Al Chee did a wonderful job of organizing this event and if not for his efforts, we would not have exceeded our expectations. This was a great kickoff to our season and we look forward to even further success on the court.”
In conjunction with the dinner, Wade and the Warrior volleyball program recognized a distinguished alumnus. This year's recipient of the Pae Makaukau Alumni recognition award is Pono Ma'a, a four-year letterman from 1983-86. The award will be given annually to recognize former Warriors who has completed at least his first degree; has contributed to the well being of others; is actively involved in activities which promotes others to improve themselves; and has conducted himself in a way in which young people can learn positive life lessons.
At UH, Ma'a was a first-team All-American in 1986 and second team pick in '84. He was the first member of the school's 1,000-kill club and finished with 1,177. As a senior, Ma'a led UH to the semifinals of the CIVA Championship and No. 5 national ranking. Ma'a set school single-season records for kills (463), kills per set (5.86) and total attacks (864) in 1986. He was also a member of U.S. Junior National Team in 1984.
Following his UH playing days, Ma'a played professionally in Europe and enjoyed a standout beach career on the AVP Tour. He is also a successful coach, having guided Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama boys volleyball team to state titles in 2001 and '02. He also serves as a coach for Ka Ulukoa Volleyball Club, where he coached his teams to three straight national championships from 2008-10 at the USAV Junior Olympics.
“Pono is a perfect example to our current team members of how you can utilize your volleyball experience here at UH to even greater success in life,” Wade said. “He is a role model to Hawai'i's youth volleyball players having had proven success professionally and now as a club and high school coach.”
The 2011 Warriors will be unveiled Saturday night following the men's basketball game against Boise State. The inaugural 'Ohana Volleyfest features a celebrity match, skill demonstrations, and an autograph session. The event is free to the public and fans attending only the Volleyfest, will be allowed into the Stan Sheriff Center near the conclusion of the men's basketball game.
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