HONOLULU — Hawaii men’s volleyball star hitter Spyros Chakas will miss the rest of the 2024 season, head coach Charlie Wade said on Tuesday, as the injury he suffered against UC Irvine on Sunday will keep him out for the rest of his Rainbow Warrior career.

Wade did not disclose the specifics of the injury, but the senior All-American from Greece landed awkwardly on his left leg while taking a swing on match point against the Anteaters, and his left knee buckled. The Stan Sheriff Center crowd watched in stunned silence as a key piece of UH’s national championships in 2021 and 2022 clutched his knee in pain.

“He will not be back this season,” Wade said. “He’s had an impressive career. A level of irony that he wins his second (AVCA) national player of the week honor today. Just illustrates again, he’s literally one of the best players in collegiate men’s volleyball. Has had an amazing career with us. Played a significant role on league and national championships throughout.

“He will be missed; there’s no question. It’s a devastating loss.”

No. 1 UH (17-1) will get its first taste of life without Chakas in an unforgiving setting – Long Beach State’s Walter Pyramid – when the ‘Bows take on the No. 2 Beach on Friday and Saturday.

Hitters Keoni Thiim and Louis Sakanoko will assume greater roles in Chakas’ absence, Wade confirmed.

Middle Kurt Nusterer called the injury and loss of Chakas from the lineup “brutal.” He said the team has been in touch with Chakas through his medical appointments, though not in person.

“We’re kind of scrambling now and find the pieces of the puzzle that will work … ,” Nusterer said. “We’re going to miss him.”

Chakas is UH’s team leader in points per set (4.71) and kills per set (4.15), and is second in digs per set at 1.47.

Brian McInnis covers the state's sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.