Cam Flabel is entering his fourth season with the Hawaii Pacific University men’s basketball program and his first as Associate Head Coach. After joining the Sharks’ staff in 2021 as a graduate assistant, he quickly climbed the coaching ranks, earning the Associate Head Coach title in the summer of 2024. This promotion made him the youngest coach at the NCAA Division I or II level to hold that position.
Flabel plays a pivotal role in the program’s success, leading the team’s recruiting efforts and spearheading its defensive schemes. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Sharks to an 18-11 record during the 2023-24 season, marking the program’s first PacWest Conference Tournament appearance in seven years. With his help, the Sharks established themselves as a defensive powerhouse, ranking first in multiple defensive categories within the PacWest that season.
A Boise, Idaho native, Flabel began his basketball career at Mountain View High School before playing collegiately at Rocky Mountain College (MT) for two seasons. He later transferred to Idaho State University, where he served as a student manager for the men’s basketball team while earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management in 2021.
His coaching career took off at Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho, where he spent two years coaching boys' basketball. Passionate about player development, he also founded the annual Gate City Basketball Camp and coached for the SEI Wolves club basketball team.
In 2022, Flabel earned a master’s degree in Sports Management from American Public University, further solidifying his expertise in coaching and program leadership. In addition to his on-court responsibilities, he oversees the Sharks’ community engagement initiatives, ensuring the program remains actively involved with the local community.
One of his most impactful projects is the Shark Bite Mentorship Program, which he launched alongside head coach Jesse Nakanishi. Each month, Sharks players visit Noelani and Manoa Elementary Schools to engage with students through healthy living discussions, reading sessions, games, and recess activities.
Under Flabel’s leadership, the Sharks’ commitment to community service has earned national recognition. The program was named the NCAA DII Award of Excellence Runner-Up in 2023-24 for its outstanding community engagement efforts. Additionally, the team secured the PacWest nomination for the award in consecutive years from 2022 to 2024.
Dedicated to player development, team success, and community impact, Flabel continues to shape the future of Sharks basketball while making a lasting difference both on and off the court.
