For tomorrow night's reunion, University of Hawai'i volleyball player Sean Carney might need to wear a "My name is ..." tag.

Only an album of memories remains from Carney's too-brief time as Lewis University's setter. The Flyers have a new coaching staff. Only two former teammates are left on the roster.

"It will be exciting to see the players and the program they have after I left and they started rebuilding," Carney said.

This wasn't how it was supposed to go. The plan was for the All-State player from 'Iolani School to lead the Flyers into contention for a national title.

But in the summer of 2004, just before the start of his first college semester, the NCAA stripped the Flyers of their 2003 national championship. Dave Deuser resigned as coach, the Flyers were placed on probation and players faced uncertain futures.

After difficult deliberations, Carney opted to transfer to UH. He relinquished a partial scholarship and a chance to start as freshman. He also was leaving a program that had become his family.

"When I went (to Lewis) on my recruiting trip, the team and the coach were so nice," Carney said. "I fell in love with (the program) after that."

Carney joined the Warriors as a walk-on in January 2005.

"It was tough the first semester when I came back," said Carney, who redshirted in 2005. "I was the new kid on the team."

He also was playing a positioned owned by All-America setter Brian Beckwith. Two years later, Beckwith, now a senior, remains as the starter.

"If you get frustrated about not playing," said Carney, a third-year sophomore, "it'll drive you crazy. I usually played when I was in high school. It's a totally different experience now. It helps you grow when you learn to support others when you're not playing. It helps you become a better person. You have to take a team role or else your team is never going to win."

Carney has made the most of his limited opportunities. For the past two seasons, he has been used as the Warriors' pinch-server.

Last week, Carney was moved to outside hitter to spell Eric Kalima, who is suffering from "jumper's knee." During practices, Kalima, a starting left-side hitter, will play libero while Carney is used at outside hitter.

Carney has been told he will be a left-side hitter and backup setter through this season. Next year, he will be allowed to compete for the starting setter's job.

"It's different body aches," Carney said of his new role. Iolani used a 6-2 offense, with Carney alternating between setter and opposite attacker.

"It's been three years since I've passed," Carney said. "I can't believe I can do that stuff. I thought my body was totally out of it. I'm starting to feel more comfortable back there. I'll do whatever the coach wants."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.