Heather Olmstead Hawaii addition is official. University of Hawaiʻi women’s volleyball head coach Joshua Walker announced Monday that former BYU head coach Heather Olmstead will join the Rainbow Wahine as associate head coach for the 2026 season.
Olmstead, a past American Volleyball Coaches Association National Coach of the Year in 2018, arrives in Mānoa with a national reputation for building winning programs. According to the program, she will serve as Walker’s top assistant as he assembles his first Wahine staff.
Heather Olmstead Hawaii role strengthens Walker’s first staff
Walker, entering his inaugural season leading the Rainbow Wahine, is turning to Olmstead’s experience to help guide the program through the 2026 campaign. Officials noted her hire underscores a commitment to high-level coaching and competitive consistency.
Olmstead previously led BYU as head coach, earning national recognition and multiple postseason appearances while developing All-America talent. Her move to Honolulu brings a seasoned tactical voice to a Wahine program with a storied legacy and a passionate Oahu fan base.
Team leaders said the addition of an associate head coach with championship-level credentials is aimed at elevating training, scouting, and player development as Hawaiʻi prepares for conference and nonconference challenges.
Further details about staff responsibilities and preseason plans are expected as the Rainbow Wahine finalize preparations for the 2026 season. Those plans will unfold alongside events like the Miliana Sylvester youth camp and other UH volleyball activities.
