HONOLULU — University of Hawai'i women's water polo head coach James Robinson announced on Thursday that he will leave the program to pursue other professional opportunities.
 
UH associate head coach Candice Vorbeck will serve as interim head coach for the Rainbow Wahine. UH will immediately begin a national search for the water polo program's next head coach.
 
Robinson served a total of four seasons with Rainbow Wahine water polo, serving as associate head coach for two years then leading the team as head coach for the last two seasons. In his tenure as head coach, Robinson guided the 'Bows to a 38-11 overall record and a 19-0 mark in Big West competition (regular season and championship). The 'Bows captured back-to-back Big West titles to earn the conference's automatic bid to the National Collegiate Women's Water Polo Championship. He was named Big West Coach of the Year each of the last two seasons.
 
"We want to sincerely thank James for his outstanding dedication and leadership over the past four seasons," UH Athletics Director Matt Elliott said. "He seamlessly transitioned into the head coaching role, maintaining the standard of excellence that defines our women's water polo program and bringing home back-to-back Big West titles. We wish him the best in his future professional endeavors."
 
Robinson joined the UH staff in 2022 as associate head coach and was elevated to head coach in 2024 to succeed Maureen Cole, becoming the water polo program's fourth head coach since its debut in 1998.