HILO, Hawai'i - Lance Thompson has resigned his position as the University of Hawai'i at Hilo Director of Soccer for personal reasons effective June 20, 2016 following three years of coaching both men's and women's soccer programs.

 "I have known Lance for many years and UH Hilo was fortunate to have him and his soccer expertise in coaching and recruiting for the past three years," UH Hilo Athletic Director Patrick Guillen said. "The program is trending up due to his direction and hard work. The Vulcans have a solid recruiting class coming in this year that will contribute immediately on both the men's and women's side."

"I would like to thank Lance for his commitment and dedication to the program and involvement in our community.  I sincerely wish him and his family nothing but the very best as they begin a new chapter in their lives."

Assistant Coach Gene Okamura will serve as the interim head coach.

"I am confident Gene will be able to sustain the momentum moving forward and lead the program this next year effectively," Guillen said. "A national search will take place at the conclusion of the 2016 season."

Okamura is well-recognized in the local soccer community. He served as Kamehameha Schools-Hawai'i girls' varsity soccer head coach where they captured back-to-back second-place finishes in the conference. They capped the 2015-16 season with a runner-up finish in the HHSAA State Championship Tournament.

Along with head coaching duties at KSH, he is also the Director of Coaching for Hawai'i Rush Big Island and Haaheo Soccer Club, and a Hawai'i Olympic Development Program Coach.

A native of Hilo, Hawai'i, Okamura graduated from Waiakea High School in 2006. While in high school, he played for the Honolulu Bulls and Ha'aheo Soccer Clubs. After high school, he was one of the first players recruited for the inaugural UH Hilo men's soccer team.

He received his Bachelor of Art in Administration of Justice in 2010 from UH Hilo and holds a USSF "C" License.