Postgame Notes & Quotes: Hawaiʻi Men’s Volleyball Opens 2026 Season

HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors men’s volleyball opened the 2026 season with a sweep of NJIT, but postgame conversations inside the Stan Sheriff Center revealed a team more focused on standards, connection, and long-term goals than early-season results.

Below are key notes and quotes from head coach Charlie Wade, junior outside hitter/opposite Louis Sakanoko, and freshman setter Magnus Hettervik following opening weekend.

Opening Weekend Energy and Mindset

Sakanoko said returning to the Stan Sheriff Center — and doing so in front of an engaged home crowd — set the tone immediately for the Rainbow Warriors.

“It was nice to come back in the Stan for sure. All the support we got from the fans was incredible.”

He added that Hawaiʻi’s approach didn’t change based on opponent or circumstance.

“We prepare for each game the same. First game, we were really focused on bringing energy first and not letting the other team dictate how we play.”

Consistency Over Results

When asked about the quick turnaround between matches, Sakanoko emphasized execution over emotion.

“We stayed locked in on small things. Keeping our service in — globally, we did a really good job.”

That attention to detail stood out to Wade as well, particularly from the service line.

“We pride ourselves on managing from the service line. We were a little under 90 percent, but 89 is a pretty good number.”

Wade also pointed to offensive efficiency as a pleasant early-season indicator.

“Both setters did a nice job running the offense. We hit for a big number both nights, which was great to see.”

A First Taste of the Stan for Magnus Hettervik

Freshman setter Magnus Hettervik made his Stan Sheriff Center debut during opening weekend — an experience he said lived up to everything he had heard before arriving in Hawaiʻi.

“It was amazing,” Hettervik said. “I’ve been looking forward to playing here in front of the fans.”

That moment was the culmination of a unique and personal recruiting path that began thousands of miles away in Norway. Head coach Charlie Wade explained that the connection started with former Hawaiʻi setter Jakob Thelle, one of the most decorated players in program history.

Jakob Thelle, a two-time NCAA champion and former National Player of the Year, reached out to Wade after seeing Hettervik’s potential — a recommendation Wade said carried significant weight.

“When one of our alums sends me a name, they’re putting their reputation on the line,” Wade said. “Every guy who’s come to us that way has turned out very good.”

The connection went deeper than volleyball. Hettervik shared that Thelle was his older brother’s best friend growing up, and the two also attended the same volleyball high school in Norway — making the Hawaiʻi pipeline feel natural rather than coincidental.

“He’s kind of like another big brother to me,” Hettervik said. “I’ve heard a lot of stories from him about the fans, the Stan Sheriff Center, and what it’s like to play here.”

Those stories — combined with the opportunity to compete at the highest level — ultimately drew Hettervik across the globe.

“I just got really interested in the opportunity,” he said. “So far, it’s been amazing.”

For Wade, the result is another example of how Hawaiʻi’s volleyball culture continues to resonate internationally — and how the Stan Sheriff Center remains a powerful recruiting tool long before a player ever steps onto the court.

Building Chemistry Early

Hettervik spoke specifically about his developing connection with middle blocker Ofeck Hazan, noting that reps in practice have translated quickly to matches.

“We’ve had a lot of reps together, and I really feel the connection.”

That trust and familiarity is something Wade believes is already showing across the roster.

Championship Rings — and Championship Expectations

Opening weekend also featured Hawaiʻi’s Big West championship ring ceremony, a moment Wade said was about validating the work behind the scenes.

“Guys come here to win championships. That’s part of the deal.”

He added that success requires embracing the daily grind.

“Everybody loves the idea of winning championships. Not everybody loves the lifestyle.”

For Hettervik, seeing teammates receive their rings only raised the bar.

“When I look at the ring, it looks pretty insane. It just pushes me more — I really want one for myself.”

A Different Kind of Confidence

Wade noted a noticeable shift in the team’s demeanor compared to last season.

“There’s a calm confidence to this group that just wasn’t there last year.”

He attributed that to maturity, leadership, and hunger.

“You look at guys like Tread Rosenthal and how he goes about his business — that spreads throughout the team.”

Looking Ahead, Even After Opening Weekend

Despite the wins and the celebration, the Rainbow Warriors’ focus quickly turned forward.

“We’re really happy,” Sakanoko said. “But now we’re already focused on next week.”

Wade echoed that sentiment, emphasizing sustainability over short-term success.

“We’ve built this program to an elite level. The challenge now is sustaining it.”