All-America opposite attacker Jonas Umlauft will remain in his native Germany for the fall semester while keeping open the possibility of returning to the Hawaii volleyball team in January for his junior season, UH head coach Charlie Wade confirmed.

Umlauft has excelled on the court, leading the nation with an average of 5.57 kills per set in 2011, and in the classroom, where his cumulative grade-point average is 3.93. His major is electrical engineering.

Umlauft’s decision is partly personal (his girlfriend lives in Germany), partly educational (he would like to earn a degree from a German university).

"The engineering department has been great, trying to be creative in helping him be engaged, challenged," Wade said. "He was used to a more rigorous pace as a student."

Wade said he will set aside scholarship money if Umlauft decides to return. NCAA rules restrict men’s volleyball programs to the financial equivalent of 4.5 scholarships.

"We’re not going to close the book entirely," Wade said. "He has a chance to come back, but we are absolutely moving forward with the program."

UH recently received a signed commitment from Johann Timmer, a 6-foot-6 member of New Zealand’s national team who has played middle blocker and opposite attacker.

"The collection of talent we’re putting together is pretty good," Wade said. "Jonas is a proven commodity and player, but we’re really excited about the number of good players we have coming in this year. It’s not like it’s all doomsday."