Being the interim coach is one thing, but being the head man of a Division II program is quite another.
Kallen Mizuguchi thinks he’s up to the challenge, and nothing about his debut season at the helm of UH-Hilo tennis would say otherwise.
“I’ve been putting a lot of thought into the position,” Mizuguchi, who had his interim label removed Friday by athletic director Pat Guillen, wrote in text to the Tribune-Herald. “I enjoy coaching and have been coaching children and adults, but never college.
“It was a fun and challenging experience. Watching the players succeed on and off the court was great. I’m fortunate to get to be part of their college experience here in Hilo and will hopefully continue to give them a good one.”
Taking over on short notice but with big-time talent on hand thanks to former coach Tina McDermott, Mizuguchi guided the UHH men to a second consecutive Pacific West Conference runner-up finish and back to the NCAA championships, where they reached the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Barry, posting their best finish.
The Vulcan women qualified for the conference tournament and ended the year at 5-12.
“Most important to me, our student-athletes had a great experience this past year,” Guillen said in a release.
The men’s team’s turnaround under McDermott was nothing short of remarkable. She unearthed talent from all corners, with the 2019 roster featuring players from seven different countries, before leaving for position at Division III Vassar.
The Vuls are slated to return most of their key players, with the notable exception being No. 1 singles player Vaclav Slezak.
Mizuguchi, an alum of UHH and Waiakea High, knows talent procurement will be among his greatest challenges, but he feels there is a lot to work with on the Big Island.
“In terms of recruiting, it will be tough due to the fact that I came in at the start of season,” he said. “I will try to build upon what I already have, they are good players as it is. In terms of recruiting connections, I plan on bringing in more local players and being an alumni of UHH may help as well.”
Mizuguchi not only has to juggle his duties as coach of teams, but also his job as insurance agent.
“This upcoming year would be the test if I can do both or not,” he said.
If it takes a village, that’s OK.
“Having the support of the community made things a little easier for me,” he said.