Success in a team sport is success for all members of that team.

That is what Josh Walker, Hawaii men’s volleyball assistant coach, believes.

That he was named the 2019 American Volleyball Coaches Association assistant coach of the year on Wednesday just validated it.

“These individual awards are not why you coach,” the former Hawaii All-American said. “It’s in direct correlation to the level of buy-in and hard work our guys had last season.

“This is great for the program. It’s a complete team effort and more validation of what happened last year.”

Last season, the Warriors (28-3) had program bests of 28 victories and 25 consecutive wins, and set an NCAA record for consecutive sets won at 74. Hawaii also won its first conference title and was the national runner-up, losing to Long Beach State 3-1 in the NCAA championship match. All three of the Warriors’ losses came against the Beach in the Walter Pyramid.

“Josh is one of the best up-and-coming coaches in the United States,” Hawaii head coach Charlie Wade said in a text message. “He’s involved in every aspect of our program. He’s a great role model for our players as an alumnus with high integrity.

“We’re lucky to have him.”

Walker played for the Warriors from 2008 to 2011 and ranks in several career categories, including No. 5 in kills (1,428).

The award normally is announced during the week of the NCAA championship tournament. It was delayed because of a pending investigation into Wade for alleged sexual misconduct while a club coach in California in the 1990s.

Wade was placed on interim measure-suspension by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and USA Volleyball last Sept. 5, meaning he could not be involved in any sanctioned USA Volleyball event. It did not prevent his participation in the NCAA tournament.

The investigation remains on-going. USA Volleyball officials have declined comment until it is completed.

Walker said he was told he would be recognized at the AVCA national convention in December which is held in conjunction with the women’s final four in Pittsburgh. He said he had been considering going to the convention before being told he would receive his award there.

The 2019 national coach of the year award has yet to be announced.