HONOLULU — The University of Hawaii has made Evan Silberstein its long-term head beach volleyball coach.

Silberstein, a former seven-year UH assistant, was named the interim head coach prior to the 2022 beach season upon the departure of Angelica Ljungqvist and he went on to be named the Big West Conference co-coach of the year in leading the program back to the NCAA tournament after an absence in 2021.

What You Need To Know

  • Evan Silberstein, the Big West Co-Coach of the Year, has been named the Hawaii beach volleyball team's full head coach moving forward

  • Silberstein took over the program on an interim basis heading into the 2022 season upon the departure of then-head coach Anjelica Ljundqvist

  • UH went 24-17 as the Big West runner-up in 2022 and advanced to the expanded, 16-team NCAA tournament in Gulf Shores, Ala., as an at-large selection

  • Silberstein, of New York, also coaches at Outrigger Canoe Club

UH Athletic Director David Matlin announced the removal of Silberstein’s interim tag on Friday, though the number of years on his contract was not disclosed.

"We are pleased to keep Evan in our ohana," Matlin said in a statement. "Evan has played a major role in the success of our beach volleyball program over the years. … His passion for the sport, the university, the local community and our student-athletes is unparalleled. He's earned this position and we look forward to watching our beach program continue to flourish under his stewardship."

Silberstein, of New York, is also a head coach in the junior girls beach program at Outrigger Canoe Club.

"It's an honor to serve our legendary volleyball community," Silberstein said. "I am thankful to David Matlin for entrusting me and grateful for the support of mentors, predecessors and colleagues for helping lay the successful foundation of our program. My purpose is to powerfully lead our student-athletes, elevate the athletics department and proudly represent the University of Hawaii."

UH has won three Big West titles with Silberstein on staff since 2015, with six trips to the NCAA tournament.

UH went 24-17 and fell just short to Cal Poly for the Big West crown in 2022. It went one-and-done as an at-large selection to the expanded NCAA tournament at Gulf Shores, Ala., as the No. 13 seed, falling to fourth-seeded Loyola Marymount.

UH’s top flight of Kaylee Glagau and Brooke Van Sickle was named the Big West Pair of the Year and the two also attained All-America honors.

Brian McInnis covers the state's sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii.