Longtime manager Ryan Tsuji has been promoted to assistant coach for the Rainbow Wahine volleyball season, University of Hawai'i coach Dave Shoji announced. Tsuji has been with the team the past seven years, including five as manager. He will be the interim replacement for associate coach Kari Ambrozich, who is taking maternity leave after giving birth to son, Trey, July 11.

"By hiring Ryan, we will go through an easy transition because he's been with the program for seven years," Shoji said. "He wants to be in coaching and this will be a great opportunity for him."

Tsuji's position will expire in December. Ambrozich will return to help with administrative duties in October and as an active coach in January. Former Rainbow Wahine Hedder Ilustre will serve as volunteer manager.

Along with his work with the Rainbow Wahine, Tsuji also helped coach the 'Imi 'Ike club volleyball team the past three years. It finished second at the Junior Olympic volleyball festival this summer. Alumnae of 'Imi 'Ike include current Rainbow Wahine Dani Mafua and Elizabeth Ka'aihue, and recruit Kanani Herring.

Tsuji, originally from Hilo, graduated from Hawai'i in 2007, earning a bachelor's degree in political science and communication. He is working on his master's in public administration and is scheduled to graduate in May.

The Rainbow Wahine start practice on Aug. 9. Their season-opener is Aug. 29 against defending NCAA Champion Penn State in the Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Classic.

The Division I Women's Volleyball Committee announced regional sites for both the 2008 and 2009 NCAA Championships, and Hawai'i is not among the eight sites. This year's regionals will be Dec. 12 and 13 at Colorado State, Penn State, Texas and Washington. In 2009, regional sites will be Florida, Minnesota, Qwest Center Omaha (Neb.) and Stanford (Calif.). Dates will be Dec. 11 and 12.

"When we were selecting these sites we really wanted to focus on attendance history and attendance potential," said Marie Robbins, chair of the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Committee. "We believe these sites provide a regional balance that can also draw great crowds."

Hawai'i has led the country in attendance since moving into Stan Sheriff Center in 1994. It is the only revenue-producing volleyball program in the country.

"I think in light of how much travel costs now they are looking at having regionals closer to the teams and universities and not having them come this far," Shoji said. "It looks like we won't be home (for the postseason) for the next few years."

This year's final four is at Qwest Center Omaha Dec. 18 and 20. In 2009 it will be held at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., Dec. 17 and 19.