LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Hawai’i associate coach Milan Zarkovic has been named the AVCA’s Assistant Coach of the Year for the second time in his career, adding to his previous win in 2020.
Head coach Charlie Wade expressed his appreciation for Zarkovic’s contribution, stating, “It is rewarding to have another member of our program recognized for our team’s success. Milan has worked diligently to enhance his coaching abilities during his tenure at UH.”
This accolade follows a milestone day where six Rainbow Warriors earned AVCA All-America honors, with setter Jakob Thelle nominated for the AVCA Player of the Year award. The winner of the Player of the Year title will be announced on Wednesday.
Since the award’s inception in 2010, a UH assistant coach has claimed the Assistant Coach of the Year award three times. Former assistant Josh Walker received the honor in 2019, while Wade himself was recognized as the AVCA Coach of the Year in the same year.
Zarkovic, who joined Wade’s staff in 2014, has played an integral role in the Warriors’ success, contributing to six NCAA Tournament appearances and three Big West championships. His coaching experience extends globally, having served with the Serbian and Belarus national teams for over a decade.
Reflecting on Zarkovic’s impact, Wade highlighted his adaptability to the unique challenges of coaching at the university level, noting, “Milan’s enthusiasm during practices is evident, but he has also invested in understanding the nuances of collegiate coaching. His efforts have been instrumental in fostering the culture we began building in 2009.”
UH’s recent achievements have garnered multiple individual accolades, including Wade’s consecutive Big West Coach of the Year titles and Thelle’s accolades as a two-time Big West Player of the Year and AVCA first-team All-American.
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