University of Hawai‘i water polo head coach James Robinson is stepping down, the school announced on Thursday, characterizing his departure as a choice to "pursue other professional opportunities."
Robinson, who took over following the retirement of former head coach Maureen Cole, went 38-11 in his two seasons as the head coach in Mānoa, winning two Big West championships along with two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Robinson, a native of Southern California, played collegiately for the UCLA men's team from 2013 to 2017. His first coaching job was as his alma mater as an assistant coach for the UCLA women's team from 2019-2022.
In 2022, Robinson was named the associate head coach for UH, a position he held until he was elevated to head coach following Cole's retirement.
"We want to sincerely thank James for his outstanding dedication and leadership over the past four seasons," UH athletics director Matt Elliott said in a statement. "He seamlessly transitioned into the head coaching role, maintaining the standard of excellence that defines our women's water polo program and bringing home back-to-back Big West titles. We wish him the best in his future professional endeavors."
Following the 2026 season, a pair of UH star players in Agatha Weston and Ariadna Temprano Xambó transferred to UCLA. Meanwhile, former UCLA women's head coach Adam Wright stepped down in July, and the school has yet to name a head coach after conducting a national search.
Associate head coach Candice Vorbeck has been named the team's interim head coach, though, the school says it will conduct a national search for the permanent role.
Hawai‘i's 2027 season will start in January. Unlike the vast majority of the school's teams that have departed for the Mountain West Conference, the Rainbow Wahine will remain in the Big West Conference as affiliate members. The Mountain West does not offer women's water polo.
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
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