Hawaii outside hitter Keoni Thiim, who has one year of eligibility remaining due to the COVID-19 season, announced on Monday he is entering the transfer portal.
“Hi everyone. This is my official announcement that I will be entering the transfer portal today. God has blessed me with this opportunity and of course I will inform the people of my reasons behind the matter. Until then God bless you all,” he said via Instagram.
The Kalani High School alum played three seasons for UH after beginning his collegiate career at Santa Barbara Community College.
Known for a hard-hitting serve that made him a fan favorite, Thiim earned more playing time this season as a six-rotation player after seeing the court primarily as a serving specialist his first two seasons. He posted career highs across the board, averaging 1.57 kills per set with a .303 hitting percentage.
His 40 aces were second on the team, one behind freshman Tread Rosenthal.
Thiim has many ties to the Warriors volleyball program. His grandfather is former UH head coach Mike Wilton and he is a cousin of former UH player Larry Tuileta.
His departure leaves Louis Sakanoko as the only returning pin hitter to appear in more than seven matches last season.
UH’s roster is expected to undergo somewhat of an overhaul in the offseason, with as many as 10 new players joining the team next season, coach Charlie Wade said last week. UH honored six players on senior night.
Among the signed incoming recruits are pin hitters Finn Kearney, who is 6-foot-5 and the No. 3-ranked recruit in America according to Volleyball Magazine; 6-foot-8 Kristian Titriyski of Bulgaria and 6-foot-5 Adrien Roure from France.