Olmstead adds Snuka as volunteer assistant coach

PROVO, Utah — Penina Snuka has been named a volunteer assistant coach for BYU women’s volleyball, head coach Heather Olmstead announced today.

“We are excited to add Penina to our coaching staff," Olmstead said. "She had an incredible playing career at the University of Arizona and great experiences playing professionally. I love that our team will get to be around and learn from Penina.  Her competitiveness, fun energy and willingness to work hard is something that will surely influence the team positively.  She’s a great addition to BYU women's volleyball."  

Snuka, a four-year starter at setter for Arizona, hails from Gilbert, Arizona. She played three years at Gilbert High School before moving to Kahuku High School in Hawai’i for her senior year.

During her time as a Wildcat, Snuka was the 2016 Pac-12 Setter of the Year, also being named to the AVCA All-American Third Team that season. She was a two-time AVCA All-America Honorable Mention selection, three-time All-Pac 12 selection and was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team in 2013.

After graduating from Arizona with a degree in sociology focused in human and behavioral studies, Snuka went overseas to play in the Philippines with the club Generika Ayala Lifesavers. She has since coached both boys and girls high school and club volleyball.

Snuka’s family has a wrestling background, including her grandfather, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, father "Deuce," aunt "Tamina" and her uncle, former professional wrestler and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.