One of the architects of the University of Hawaii baseball team is leaving the program.

Rusty McNamara, who joined the Rainbow Warriors in 2011, is moving to Italy, where his wife has accepted a job. The couple has three daughters.

McNamara has served as recruiting coordinator, hitting coach and position coach for the catchers. He also has coached third base.

“He’s been an outstanding coach for us from recruiting to on the field,” head coach Mike Trapasso said. “We’re family first, and this is a really unique opportunity for his family. It’s a three-year situation for his wife’s position. It’s a wonderful opportunity that comes along once in a lifetime. We love Mack and everything he’s done, and we’ll miss him.”

Trapasso said Jerry Kleman, a former ’Bow, has been promoted from volunteer assistant to fill McNamara’s position. Trapasso and assistant coach Carl Fraticelli will oversee the recruiting.

“In elevating Jerry for the season, it was really a seamless transition,” Trapasso said. “The players really like and trust Jerry. They have confidence in his knowledge. I’m really happy for Jerry. It’s an opportunity for him. It starts with having good people. You want a good person as an assistant coach. He has the same understanding of what our mission is, which is to serve our players. He’s a very low-key, hard- working guy who’s getting a great opportunity.”

Trapasso has yet to announce a new volunteer coach.

The ’Bows already have 10 commitments for the 2019 recruiting class. They completed fall training and will resume practicing in January. The ’Bows open the 2018 season against Air Force on Feb. 16.