Last week, the undefeated BYU-Hawaii women's volleyball team dominated Grand Canyon – winning in three straight games. But this match produced more than just a victory. This particular victory provided Head Coach Wilfred Navalta with his 500th career win.
"I wasn't keeping track," said Navalta, admitting he really didn't know how close he was to reaching the milestone. "After we played, we went out to dinner as a team and the players and coaches made a special presentation, including a nice letter from President Shumway and Coach Wagner (Athletic Director) congratulating me in my 500th victory. That's when I found out."
Modest. But that's no surprise coming from the man who cared more about where/what his team was going to eat than receiving recognition for reaching an athletic milestone. Then again, the man has made a successful 22-year career out of focusing on his team's efforts rather than his own individual statistics.
Since Navalta isn't prone to boast his accomplishments, we'll let his accomplishments speak for themselves.
With Navalta at the helm, he reached 500 wins with just 96 losses for an astounding .839 winning percentage. The Seasiders have won 10 national championships, eight of them coming in the NAIA and two in NCAA Division II. Currently, his Seasiders are ranked ninth nationally, 13-0 overall and 9-0 in the Pacific West Conference.
"The coaches who have supported me and the players who have come through the program at BYU-Hawaii are really the foundation of our success," said Navalta. "Without these coaches, we couldn't recruit the caliber of player we have. Without our players, we couldn't be as successful as we've been."
Navalta was quick to point out the philosophy he has repeatedly pounded into the minds of his players: (1) Live the Honor Code, (2) Work to be academically qualified, and then (3) Volleyball. "We have never wavered on teaching these priorities to the players. It is something that has earned respect, whether the player is a member of (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) or not – they realize what we stand for and live to honor it," said Navalta.
From your university ohana: "Congratulations Coach Navalta!"