HONOLULU — Hawaii men's volleyball star hitter Spiros Chakas will miss the remainder of his Rainbow Warrior career due to an injury sustained Sunday against UC Irvine, head coach Charlie Wade said. He announced Tuesday that he will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
Wade did not provide details of the injury, but the Greek All-American landed awkwardly on his left foot while swinging on match point against the Antiters, causing his left knee to buckle. The Stan Sherif Center crowd watched in stunned silence as a key player in the 2021 and 2022 Cal State national championships cradled his knee in pain.
“He won't be back this season,” Wade said. “He's had a great career. It's kind of ironic that today he's earned his second (AVCA) National Athlete of the Week honor. Again, he's literally a college player. He is one of the best players in men's volleyball. He has had a great career in our company. He played important roles in league games and national tournaments.
“He will be missed. No questions asked. It's a devastating loss.”
No. 1 UH (17-1) will get its first taste of life without Chakas in the harsh environment of Walter Pyramid at Long Beach State when the Bowes play No. 2 Beach on Friday and Saturday.
Wade acknowledged that hitters Keoni Timme and Luis Sakanoko will have bigger roles in Chakas' absence.
Middle Kurt Nuesterer called Chakas' injury and removal from the lineup “brutal.” He said the team has been in contact with Chakas through medical appointments, although not directly.
“We are now scrambling to find the pieces of the puzzle that will work…” Nasterer said. “He'll be missed when he's gone.”
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 with 1.47.
Brian McInnis covers the state's sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. Contact him at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.
