Kawika Smith, a former standout at Damien Memorial School and Hawai'i Pacific University, has been named the Monarchs' head varsity basketball coach.

Smith, 31, was chosen from a field of 11 candidates, according to Damien athletic director Wally Aina Jr.

It will be the first high school head coaching position for Smith, who worked as an assistant with the Damien junior varsity for two years and has assisted with the Damien track and field team.

Smith was a three-year starter for the Monarchs. After graduating in 1996, he started two years for the Sea Warriors, serving as team captain his second season.

Smith graduated in 2001 from HPU with a degree in visual communication. He minored in journalism.

Smith is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has had small parts in ABC's "Lost" (2010 — the first episode of the final season), the short-lived Fox series "North Shore" (2005) and the 2010 Lifetime Network movie, "Deadly Honeymoon."