Longtime Tennis Assistant Coach Named Charlie Ushijima Award Recipient – University of Hawai’i at Manoa Athletics – Hawaii athletics
HONOLULU – Longtime University of Hawai’i women’s tennis volunteer assistant coach Saverio Mennella has been named the recipient of the 2023 Charlie Ushijima Award, which is presented by ‘Ahahui Koa Ānuenue, the fundraising organization for UH Athletics.
The award is presented annually to an outstanding volunteer for dedicated and unselfish service to UH Athletics. Mennella received his award during halftime of the Feb. 24 men’s basketball game at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
A native a Genova, Italy, Mennella is now in his 17th year as a volunteer assistant coach. His level-headed demeanor and insightful coaching have proven instrumental in helping the team win multiple conference championships including the 2023 Big West Conference title.
Mennella has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to the program while also traveling with the team to road matches. He has also volunteered with camps and clinics to further promote the sport and the Rainbow Wahine program in the greater community.
Mennella started coaching in his native Italy since 18 years old and then coached in the Netherlands for two of the largest tennis clubs. He combines a great eye for detail, vast experience, and a sense of humor that helps the student-athletes enjoy the game and improve each day.
Originally entitled the Rainbow Service Award, the Ushijima Award was later re-named after its first recipient, the late Charlie Ushijima who was responsible for the building of the first on-campus baseball stadium. In addition he fulfilled countless hours of volunteer work as President of the UH booster club for baseball.
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