University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics Director David Matlin posted a letter to the UH athletics ʻohana on hawaiiathletics.com on January 6, 2022.
UH athletics ʻohana,
My heart is filled with Gratitude. I moved to Hawaiʻi 30 years ago with my beautiful wife with the intention to start a family in Hawaiʻi.
During my first week on island I met with then assistant athletics director Jim Donovan in the conference room that is right outside of my office today.
Related: Matlin to retire as UH athletics director on June 2, January 4, 2023
Jim hired me in 1993, as a casual employee, to run Midnight ʻOhana for Riley Wallace’s basketball team. I’m so thankful to Jim and former Athletics Director, Hugh Yoshida, for that opportunity. That job led to working in the ticket office for the legendary (former ticket manager) Edith Tanida. Edith was tough but had a heart of gold. I learned more in five years of working in the ticket office than any job I have had or probably ever will have. I never imagined this journey would lead to this incredible opportunity to have stewardship over the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa athletics program.
I thank God for this amazing opportunity. I have been blessed. I am also very thankful for President David Lassner and his leadership team for all of their support. They are some of the smartest and hardest working people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
The UH Athletics staff and coaches are truly phenomenal people. Mere words don’t adequately describe the sacrifices they make each and every day for our student-athletes, university and state.
Our student-athletes are the heart of the department and the reason I do what I do. It’s been my honor to serve thousands of outstanding student-athletes over the past seven-plus years. I look forward to seeing these young adults as future leaders in our state and country. It has been heartwarming to receive text messages from many of them in the hours after I announced my departure.
Our fans here in Hawaiʻi are so special. The opportunity to meet and get to know so many of them is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. The ‘Aloha they extend to our student-athletes, showering them with lei, cheering them on with ti leaves and providing fellowship and food after games is like nowhere else in the country and I am thankful.
A special thanks to my family. My wife, Dana, she is my rock. Her intellect coupled with her heart is mind boggling. Without her, this job would not have been possible. She has been a valuable counselor and has played more of a role in the many positive things that have happened during my tenure than people will ever know.
My children, Kisa and Ross, are grown and making a difference in the world today in their professions. They are servant leaders and Dana and I could not be more proud. I learn from them each and every day and am so thankful that they were born and raised in Hawaiʻi with a wonderful extended family support system.
Finally, I am so thankful to my mom and dad. I was born in Hawaiʻi when my dad was the general manager of the Hawaiʻi Islanders baseball team. My parents were such positive role models and I unfortunately lost both of them during my tenure as Athletics Director. They lived to be 96 and 98 and they loved and supported my sister, Terri, and me.
Come June 3rd, I won’t be on the field or court or in the locker room with our teams anymore, but I will take my place in the stands and will always be your biggest fan. Thank you all for making this opportunity of a lifetime come true.
Go ‘Bows!
