Danny Alvarez joins the inaugural University of Hawai`i women's sand volleyball team as a volunteer coach. Alvarez boasts more than 15 years of coaching experience in sand volleyball and during that time has worked with a number of former UH volleyball standouts.
“The program is fortunate to have Danny help develop the inaugural sand volleyball team,” Wong said. “Danny was a very passionate player and he brings that same excitement and enthusiasm to the sidelines. He is a natural fit as he understands the sport and the importance of beach volleyball to the state of Hawai‘i.”
Alvarez added: “I’ve known Scott since were both in high school playing and playing in local 2- and 4-man tournaments. I’m very excited to be a part of his staff and helping build the foundation for UH sand volleyball. I can't think of a more natural sport for our state and the University of Hawai‘i.”
For the last 17 years he has served as tournament director for various beach volleyball events including the Daddy Haine 4s and local versions of King of the Beach tournaments, as well as the Duke Kahanamoku State Beach Doubles Championships.
From 1995 until 2002 Alvarez was trainer and coach for AVP beach professionals Lia Young, Tonya Fuamatu-Maafala and former UH indoor standouts Karrie Trieschman and Heidi Illustre.
Alvarez began his coaching career at his alma mater, University High School, where in a decade span he coached the boy’s basketball and boy’s and girls volleyball squads. Former Rainbow Wahine setter Margaret Vakasausau was a member of Alvarez’ 1998 girl’s volleyball squad. Alvarez also served as head coach of the Asics U18 club team in 2000 that included another former UH standout in Nohea Tano.
Alvarez is a 1993 graduate of Hawai‘i where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history. The Honolulu native continues to play beach volleyball and was a member of the University High School indoor squad that advanced to the state championship in 1988. He and his wife, Mahealani, live in Honolulu and have two children - Kaina (9) and Kaiona (7).
