HONOLULU, HAWAI'I – Hawaiʻi Pacific University Baseball announced several significant staffing transitions following the 2026 season, as three members of the Sharks family move on to new opportunities after leaving a lasting impact on the program.

Caleb Millikan Accepts Assistant Coaching Position at Pomona-Pitzer

Assistant Coach Caleb Millikan has accepted a position as an assistant coach at Pomona-Pitzer, returning to his alma mater after three seasons with the Sharks.
Millikan spent one season as a player and two seasons as an assistant coach, proving to be one of the program's most versatile and dependable members. As a player, he appeared at seven different defensive positions, embodying the definition of a utility player. That same versatility carried into his coaching career, where he willingly filled whatever role the program needed.
Serving primarily as HPU's infield coach, Millikan helped guide the Sharks to a school-record fielding percentage during the 2025 season. In 2026, Tyler Arnold earned All-West Region Defensive Team honors. Beyond his work with the infielders, Millikan also directed the team's baserunning while coaching both first and third base over the past two seasons.
"Caleb is irreplaceable," said Head Coach Dane Fujinaka. "He was willing to do anything for the team. Both as a player and assistant coach, he was the ultimate teammate, a relentless worker, and had an enormous impact on our players. I'm going to miss Caleb, but I couldn't be more excited for his new opportunity at his alma mater."

Daniel Johnson Transitions into HPU Athletics Leadership

Former Shark captain Daniel Johnson has accepted the role of Assistant Athletic Director of Facilities and Events within the HPU Athletics Department. While Johnson will continue serving the university, his daily presence with the baseball program will certainly be missed.
Johnson played three seasons for the Sharks from 2023-25, finishing his playing career as a team captain while helping lead one of the best seasons in program history in 2025. A two-time All-PacWest selection, he returned in 2026 as an assistant coach.
Although Johnson coached first base during games, his greatest impact came through his relationships with the players. He became a trusted mentor and resource for the team, while also assisting with the development of the infielders, catchers, and baserunning.
"Just having Daniel around our guys was such a big impact," Fujinaka said. "He's one of those people who brings a calming, positive energy whenever he steps into a room. There aren't enough words to describe the impact he's made both as a player and coach over the last four seasons. I'm grateful that he's continuing his professional career as a Shark in an even bigger leadership role."

Brian Zablan Retires After Eight Seasons

Longtime assistant coach Brian Zablan announced his retirement in May following eight seasons with the Sharks.
Zablan began his coaching career at HPU under former head coach Dallas Correa and became a cornerstone of the program. In 2021, he played a significant role in the hiring of current head coach Dane Fujinaka, helping lay the foundation for the program's recent success.
Over eight seasons, Zablan primarily coached the outfielders and first basemen while helping develop more than 10 All-PacWest performers, five All-West Region selections, and two All-Americans. His greatest legacy, however, extends far beyond awards and statistics through the relationships he built and the influence he had on more than 200 student-athletes who wore the Shark uniform.
"I've said this from day one, but Brian is the ultimate teammate," Fujinaka said. "He did so much for this program that it's hard to put into words. We wouldn't be where we are today without his loyalty, consistent effort, and mentorship over the last eight years. I am incredibly grateful for Brian and excited for him as he begins this next chapter of his life."

Looking Ahead

While these departures mark the end of an important chapter for HPU Baseball, they also create new opportunities for the continued growth of the program.
The Sharks would like to thank Caleb Millikan, Daniel Johnson, and Brian Zablan for their dedication, service, and commitment to HPU Baseball. Their impact on the program and its student-athletes will be felt for years to come.
HPU Baseball will announce additions to the coaching staff, along with internal staff promotions, in a separate press release in the coming weeks.