University of Hawai‘i Athletics Director Matt Elliott announced on June 5, 2026 the selection of Joshua Walker as the fourth head coach of the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program.
Walker, an All-American as a student-athlete and national championship-winning assistant coach for the Rainbow Warrior volleyball team, returns to his alma mater to take the helm of the women's program.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Joshua Walker back to the University of Hawai?i to lead our Rainbow Wahine volleyball program,” said Elliott. “Joshua embodies the very best of Hawai‘i volleyball tradition and knows firsthand what it takes to win at the highest level here. His deep roots in our community, combined with his proven championship pedigree as an athlete and coach, and passion for his alma mater, make him the perfect person to lead this program. This is a homecoming, and we couldn’t be more excited that Joshua, Tehane, and their beautiful ?ohana are coming back to the islands.”
Walker comes back to Hawai'i following a highly successful tenure at Baylor, where he initially joined the staff as an assistant coach in the spring of 2022 before being promoted to Associate Head Coach in February 2023.
“I feel extremely blessed and thankful for this opportunity,” said Walker. “I’d like to thank Matt for all his diligence in making this happen, and (UH President) Wendy Hensel for her support. I'd also like to thank my wife, the rest of my family, and friends who have helped me be ready for this opportunity. Hawai'i has been home for a while, but I love that it gets to be our workplace again. I'm excited to get going and will work to make this program truly one of a kind. I thank God for the opportunity to be a steward of this historic program, and I'm looking forward to making this a great experience for our student-athletes. I had such a wonderful time here as a student-athlete and coach before. I have won at a high level here and I'm hopeful to be able to do it again as the head coach of the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program.”
During his time in Waco, Walker played an integral role in steering the Bears to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, extending their streak to 10 consecutive tournaments by the 2025 season. Walker helped Baylor sign a top-10 recruiting class in 2025 and has coached multiple AVCA All-Americans such as Kara McGhee and Elise McGhee, as well as 2022 Big 12 Freshman of the Year Averi Carlson.
In addition to his collegiate coaching success, Walker has gained valuable international experience serving as an assistant coach for USA Volleyball's women's team. He recently helped lead the U17 National Team to a gold medal at the 2026 Pan Am Cup while previously assisting the U21 National Team to gold at the 2023 Pan Am Cup.
However, Walker is best known to Hawai'i fans for his extensive and decorated history with the Rainbow Warrior men's volleyball program in which he was both an All-American player and national assistant coach of the year selection.
As a student-athlete from 2006 to 2011, Walker was an AVCA All-American and a two-time All-MPSF standout. He was a consistent leader on the court, finishing his four-year career with 1,428 kills (3.91 kills per set), which ranks fifth in program history. He graduated from UH with a bachelor's degree in English in 2011.
Following an impressive professional playing career with Team USA and overseas in the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Denmark, and Finland—where he earned MVP and All-Star honors—Walker returned to Manoa in 2016 to begin his collegiate coaching career under head coach Charlie Wade.
During his seven seasons as an assistant coach for the Hawai'i men's program, Walker helped transform the team into a national powerhouse. He accumulated a stellar 149-36 record on staff and helped guide the Warriors to back-to-back NCAA National Championships in 2021 and 2022. His coaching prowess was recognized nationally in 2019 when he became the first UH assistant to be named the AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year.
A native of Virginia Beach, Va., Walker is returning home to the islands alongside his wife Tehane – a standout on the Rainbow Wahine soccer team from 2005-08 – and their five children.
What They're Saying About HC Joshua Walker...
Charlie Wade – Hawai‘i Men’s Volleyball Head Coach
“Josh was a special player and a special coach for our program. It is awesome to see him become the head coach of our women’s program. I know this was one of his dreams when he left our team. He is one of three players I have coached that while they were still playing, I knew they would become a coach. Josh was a huge part of our success while he was on staff with us, he had a curiosity and hunger to learn everything he could about collegiate coaching. He was already an accomplished player but you could tell he was going to become a head coach and he was going to be very good at it when that day arrived. Now we are here and I am so happy for him and Tehane, Shilo, Kamanu, Kupa’a, Keahi and Kala. Welina mai i ka home!”
Dave Shoji – Former Hawai‘i Women’s Volleyball Head Coach
“Josh is an excellent choice to lead the Rainbow Wahine. He’s familiar with the landscape, he is a tremendous mentor to his athletes, and he knows the game inside and out. I’ve known him since he was a player here, and he has always been a true model of character and professionalism. I wish him the absolute best as he takes the helm of our proud Rainbow Wahine volleyball program. I’m confident Josh will make an immediate, positive impact, and our fanbase should be very excited about this selection.”
Ryan McGuyre – Baylor Women’s Volleyball Head Coach
“Joshua Walker is the perfect hire for Hawaii. He is an incredible man of integrity that knows how to compete, teach, and train at the highest level. More importantly, he understands family and culture. He builds relationships while building championships. His servant leadership makes everyone around him better. Alumni, fans, boosters, co-workers, and future Warriors should be very excited. I am extremely confident that he will transform lives and raise the level of success for UH for many years to come.”
Jerritt Elliott – Texas Women’s Volleyball Head Coach
“I’m thrilled to see Joshua named the new head coach at the University of Hawai‘i. Having spent a year as a student-athlete at Hawai‘i, I experienced firsthand what makes this program so special. It is one of the great programs in college athletics, supported by an incredible community, passionate fans, and a rich tradition of excellence. Joshua understands Hawai‘i and its unique culture, having previously served as an assistant coach for Charlie Wade on the men’s side. He is the perfect person to lead the program into its next chapter. His exceptional volleyball knowledge, strong leadership, genuine commitment to developing young women, and ability to build meaningful relationships make him an outstanding choice for this role. He has a unique talent for connecting with players, staff, alumni, and supporters while creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the court. I am excited about the future of Hawai‘i volleyball and the continued success that lies ahead for the program. Most importantly, I am incredibly happy for Joshua and for the people of Hawai‘i, who are gaining a leader of tremendous character, vision, and passion.”
Avery Skinner – USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Member, 2024 Olympic Silver medalist
“Josh has a unique ability to make the game of volleyball feel simple while maintaining the highest standards of excellence. His knowledge of the game, attention to detail, and ability to connect with players sets him apart as a coach and a leader. He brings tremendous passion and energy to everything he does. The University of Hawai‘i is getting an outstanding coach and an even better person.”
Lauren Briseño – USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Member, Former Baylor Libero
“Joshua Walker is the exact person to lead this program. Not only is he a diligent coach, but his ability to connect with his players provides a trustworthy environment. He brings the kind of character, vision, and work ethic that inspires people to be their best every day. Hawai‘i volleyball is in incredible hands and I’m truly blessed to have gotten the opportunity to cross paths with not just an amazing coach, but an incredible human being.”
