The official notice came through a friendly holiday email: All-America opposite attacker Jonas Umlauft decided, once and for all, not to return to the Hawaii volleyball team for his junior season.

"He’s decided to move on," said head coach Charlie Wade, whose team also graduated left-side hitter Joshua Walker, setter Nejc Zemljak and middle blocker Brennon Dyer.

Although Wade reserved scholarship money in the faint hope of an Umlauft return, the Warriors actually had moved on months before, building a squad with more depth and ball-control skills. The Warriors open the season with matches against UC San Diego on Thursday and Friday in the Stan Sheriff Center.

Even the guidance has changed. Jeff Hall was promoted to associate head coach, succeeding Dan Fisher. Former UH libero Vernon Podlewski ascended to full-time assistant coach. Three other former Warriors have been helpful. Maulia LaBarre is a volunteer coach, and Tony Ching and Sean Carney have assisted with drills.

Last year, Umlauft and Walker fueled the offense, accounting for 65.5 percent of the swings, but they were merely functional passers. This season, all but one position will be filled with players with six-rotation abilities. With improved passing, the offensive options will increase.

"It will be more of a whole-team thing," Hall said. "It just won’t be letting Umlauft finish rallies. This year, anybody can finish rallies. And I think we can create more rallies. We’ll play better defense, and we’ll have a little bit better presence at the net."

Senior left-side hitter Steven Hunt was considered a primary passer last season. He is expected to receive more sets this year. "I’m pretty comfortable," Hunt said.

Jan-Philipp "J.P." Marks is the leading contender to start at the second left-side position. Marks, a 6-foot-6 freshman from Germany, is capable of touching 11 feet 7, equaling a mark reached by Walker as a senior.

"He’s played a lot of high-level ball in Germany," Hall said. "He has the ability to keep us in system and dig balls. He’s absolutely going to be one of our go-to guys."

At opposite, Johann Timmer, a 6-6 freshman from New Zealand, will get the first shot at succeeding Umlauft. Timmer was impressive in fall training, consistently launching shots off high swings before suffering an ankle injury. He has worked to regain his vertical jump.

Taylor Averill, a 6-7 transfer from UC Irvine, and Stanley Hinkle, a 6-5 freshman from Missouri, also are considerations at opposite. Averill is the backup setter who also can play middle.

"(Averill) is just a volleyball guy," Wade said. "He’ll do whatever we need him to do. And he’s a really good blocker."

Nick West, also a transfer from UC Irvine, emerged as the Warriors’ top middle during fall training.

"He’s 6-8, and has a fast jump, and a fast arm," Wade said. "He has good energy, no drama."

Wade likened West to former Warrior Sivan Leoni, "which is OK."

Middle blocker Shane Welch has knee issues, and will meet with a physician today. Jarrod Lofy, a 6-9 senior, and Davis Holt, a 6-8 second-year freshman, have split time at the other middle.

Sam Biscaro, who was used as a serving specialist last year, gets the first shot to replace Zemljak at setter. At 6-5, Biscaro gives UH a better block.

"We’re pretty pleased with Sam," Wade said. "He’s ahead of where we hoped."

Nick Castello has the edge at libero.

Outside hitters Gus Tuaniga and Brook Sedore are back with the Warriors.

Last year, the Warriors moved A players (starters) to the B side to make scrimmages "more competitive," Wade said. "You can absolutely separate them now. You can have a B side, and it’s a little more competitive."