Little-used UH setter Vladimir Kubr has no regrets as senior season comes to a close

The 6-foot-3 setter is the only senior who will be recognized tonight on senior night after No. 2 Hawaii finishes the regular season hosting No. 18 Cal State Northridge.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a volleyball player in mid-action, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange conveying the dynamic energy and teamwork of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a volleyball player's explosive movements captures the dedication and team-first mentality of a player like Vladimir Kubr, who has embraced a supporting role to help his program succeed.Irvine Today

Vladimir Kubr, a 6-foot-3 setter for the University of Hawaii men's volleyball team, has only played in three matches over two seasons with the Rainbow Warriors. Despite limited playing time behind junior Tread Rosenthal, one of the top setters in the country, Kubr has no regrets about finishing his college career at Hawaii and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team.

Why it matters

Kubr's story highlights the dedication and team-first mentality of a player who could start at most Division I programs, but has chosen to remain with the Rainbow Warriors and support his teammates despite limited playing time. His willingness to embrace his role and contribute in practice exemplifies the type of culture and camaraderie that has helped Hawaii become one of the top men's volleyball programs in the nation.

The details

Kubr, who grew up in Torrance, California, played one season at El Camino College and then spent the next two years at Pepperdine before transferring to Hawaii. Knowing the Rainbow Warriors had a talented freshman setter in Rosenthal, Kubr didn't mind the challenge of limited playing time and redshirted last season. This year, he has appeared in three matches, including a memorable moment where he dug up a ball that resulted in a standing ovation from his teammates.

  • Kubr will be recognized on senior night tonight as Hawaii finishes the regular season hosting Cal State Northridge.
  • Hawaii needs just one win, or one Long Beach State loss against UC Irvine, to secure at least a share of the regular-season championship.

The players

Vladimir Kubr

A 6-foot-3 setter for the University of Hawaii men's volleyball team who has only played in three matches over two seasons, but has remained dedicated to the program and his teammates.

Tread Rosenthal

The junior setter for the University of Hawaii men's volleyball team, who is one of eight semifinalists for the AVCA National Player of the Year award.

Charlie Wade

The head coach of the University of Hawaii men's volleyball team, who has praised Kubr's character and work ethic despite his limited playing time.

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What they’re saying

“Since I kind of envisioned in my head that I would play for this team, it would be a perfect end for my college career to end on this team as well.”

— Vladimir Kubr, University of Hawaii Men's Volleyball Player

“It means the world to me, to be honest with you. I can't add anything more than that. It just means the world. My father has always told me if you can count the number of friends you have on one hand, you're good. Your life is good. I don't have enough fingers for 19 at all. I love my team very much.”

— Vladimir Kubr, University of Hawaii Men's Volleyball Player

“He's really just a great dude and a special guy. I think we're all going to miss him just for his character. His work ethic, you know, just one of the all-time great team guys. He's a pretty good player. He just doesn't get to show up in front of the crowd too much, but he goes hard every day in practice and he will be missed.”

— Charlie Wade, Head Coach, University of Hawaii Men's Volleyball

What’s next

Hawaii needs just one win, or one Long Beach State loss against UC Irvine, to secure at least a share of the regular-season championship. Coach Wade has indicated he plans to get Kubr playing time this weekend as the Rainbow Warriors look to secure the top seed in the Outrigger Big West Men's Volleyball Championship next week in Irvine, California.

The takeaway

Vladimir Kubr's story is a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and putting the collective goals of the program ahead of individual playing time. His willingness to embrace a supporting role and contribute in practice has earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates, and serves as an inspiring example of the type of culture that has made Hawaii one of the top men's volleyball programs in the country.