The University of Hawaii’s longtime women’s volleyball head coach has been diagnosed with cancer and will take leave from the team, according to UH officials Monday. Rainbow Wahine volleyball head coach Dave Shoji will take leave from the team due
The University of Hawaii’s longtime women’s volleyball head coach has been diagnosed with cancer and will take leave from the team, according to UH officials Monday.
Rainbow Wahine volleyball head coach Dave Shoji will take leave from the team due to prostate cancer. In his stead will be associate head coach Jeff Hall as Shoji undergoes treatment.
“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few weeks ago but I did not want to announce it and become a distraction to the team.” Shoji said in a press release.
Shoji added he will be away from coaching duties for several weeks.
“When Dave and I met last week, I understood the depth of how much he cares for the program and his student-athletes,” said UH Athletics Director David Matlin in the release. “He is an amazing coach and ambassador for the state of Hawaii, the University of Hawaii, and the sport of volleyball. We will continue to support him each and every step of the way.”
Shoji completed his 42nd season at the helm of the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program.
He guided the ‘Bows to their fourth Big West Conference title in five years and their 24th-straight and 35th overall NCAA Tournament appearance.
In the final week of the regular season, Shoji became just the second NCAA Division I head volleyball coach to reach the 1,200-victory milestone, joining Penn State’s Russ Rose. Currently, Shoji has a career record of 1,202-204-1.
