Puna Kaniho has been named the new volunteer coach for the Hawaii women’s volleyball team.

Kaniho (Kamehameha) replaces Nick Costello, who was with the Rainbow Wahine program the past two seasons. Costello (Assets), the Pacific Coast Conference player of the year in 2010 as the libero at Irvine Valley College, is the new women’s and men’s assistant coach at IVC.

“It is so cool for me to have a former player come back,” IVC coach Tom Pestolesi, a former UH All-American, told the Star-Advertiser in a phone call. “To have this guy come back is special.”

Kaniho played four seasons at Grand Canyon, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The four-time MIVA all-academic selection finished his setting career with the Lopes ranked fourth in assists (1,249).

“He has a passion for all things volleyball,” Hawaii coach Robyn Ah Mow said of Kaniho. “He has been a great addition to our fall practices and our staff is excited to have him on board.”