This New Year’s Eve will be quite the celebration for Scott Wong. Not only is it his birthday but it marks the departure from one dream job to another.
Wong accepted the head women’s volleyball coaching position at his alma mater, Pepperdine, on Tuesday, ending five seasons as Hawaii’s associate head coach.
"It was a hard decision," said Wong, also the UH head sand volleyball coach. "Coming back home to Hawaii and coach was the dream for so many years.
"But I’ve always wanted to be the head coach of an indoor program. Pepperdine was the only program I’d leave Hawaii for."
Wong played four years at Pepperdine, where he was a three-time AVCA All-American and a four-time All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation pick. The Punahou graduate also was a Waves men’s assistant for four years, a volunteer assistant with the Wahine for a season, and an assistant with the San Francisco women’s program prior to returning to UH in 2010.
"I’m very excited to have him back," said Pepperdine sand coach Nina Mathies, who was the Waves’ indoor coach for 31 seasons through 2013. "I was here when he played and coached here. We’ve been around each other for many years and I feel like I’ve watched him grow up and grow into a really good coach."
Wong’s departure leaves Wahine coach Dave Shoji two positions to fill: associate indoor and head sand. When asked if there was anyone available who could fill both positions with the qualifications Wong has, Shoji said, "Good question. I don’t know if that person exists.
"If the two positions can be linked up, that would be ideal. But my first priority is the indoor program. That’s the first hire. Then we can assess sand."
Shoji said a search would begin immediately. A notice of 10 working days is required for any job vacancy at UH. Because of the holidays, any notice posted Wednesday would have to stay open through Dec. 30, and any notice after Wednesday would stay open until early January.
Shoji also said Wong’s departure would have no effect on how long he would remain as Hawaii’s head coach. Shoji concluded his 40th season with the Wahine eliminated in the NCAA tournament’s second round by host Washington on Saturday.
"I have not made a decision," Shoji reiterated Wednesday. "Obviously my situation makes it tenuous for assistants. Scott and I talked at length about that situation and that likely influenced his decision.
"Obviously I am close to Scott and I will miss him. He has done everything he needed to do to become a head coach and I have no doubt that he will be successful at Pepperdine. Pepperdine is giving him a wonderful opportunity."
The logical choice to replace Wong indoors would be current assistant Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, a former Wahine All-American and three-time Olympian. who joined the staff in 2011. She is expected to apply for the position.
