Charlie Wade begins his fifth season as head coach Dave Shoji's first assistant for the nationally-recognized Rainbow Wahine volleyball program.

Wade is in charge of the majority of recruiting duties as well as film breakdowns, scouting reports and technical training during practice. In addition, he assists with summer camps and serves as a coach for the Asics Rainbow Volleyball Club.

"Having the opportunity to work with and be a part of the women's volleyball program here is a dream of every coach in this sport," Wade said. "The knowledge and success that Dave is known for and the level of support from the community makes this the premier volleyball program in the country. It has been very challenging and rewarding to be able to contribute to the great winning tradition of Rainbow Wahine volleyball."

Joining the Wahine program in 1995, Wade brought with him one of the most impressive club coaching resumes. His club programs annually produced championship-caliber teams and highly-recruited athletes.

In 1986, Wade founded and served as head coach of the Magnum Volleyball Club in Anaheim, Calif. The club was regarded by many college coaches as one of the top junior programs in the country. Among his pupils were former Rainbow Wahine standouts Kristal Attwood, Kee Williams and Sarah Chase.

Seven years later, Wade founded the Southern California Volleyball Institute where he served as executive director. The 17,000-square-foot volleyball training facility featured four courts, offices, weight and training rooms, and a pro shop.

While at Magnum, Wade also got his first taste of Division I coaching at Cal State Fullerton in 1987 where he spent two years as an assistant. It was there that he earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 1991.

"As a trainer and developer of young volleyball players, I don't think there are many assistants in the country better than Charlie," Shoji said. "He continues to develop and train our players to improve their game. With Charlie as our primary recruiter, our recruiting has drastically improved in the last three years."

Wade is a 1981 graduate of Warsaw Community High School in Indiana. After graduating, he attended Long Beach City College for one year.

Wade is single and lives in Honolulu. He is an avid beach volleyball player and also enjoys hiking, snorkeling and playing golf.