Dave Shoji
Dave Shoji
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Dave Shoji is a renowned American volleyball coach, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's women's volleyball team.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on May 16, 1939, in Hilo, Hawaii. As of this writing, he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American, Coach (Volleyball)
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Hilo, Hawaii, Shoji was exposed to the sport of volleyball at a young age. His father, a high school coach, encouraged his early interest in the game. Shoji's natural talent and dedication led him to play college volleyball at Chaminade University, where he later became an assistant coach.
Major Accomplishments
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Longest Tenure as a Head Coach: Dave Shoji holds the record for the longest tenure as a head coach in NCAA Division I women's volleyball history. He coached the University of Hawaii at Manoa for 42 seasons, from 1972 to 2013.
Most Wins in NCAA History: Under his guidance, the Rainbow Wahine won an NCAA-record 1,136 matches and earned three national championships (1987, 1990, and 2010).
* Induction into Hall of Fame: Shoji was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Notable Works or Actions
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Shoji's coaching philosophy emphasized a strong emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and mental preparation. He implemented innovative practices, such as using video analysis and focusing on player development. His teams consistently ranked among the nation's best, producing numerous All-Americans and Olympic athletes.
Impact and Legacy
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Dave Shoji's influence extends beyond his impressive coaching record. He helped popularize volleyball in Hawaii and contributed to its growth into a national sport. His emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship has inspired generations of players and coaches.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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As one of the most successful college volleyball coaches in history, Dave Shoji's insights on the game are highly valued by athletes, coaches, and fans alike. His expertise spans not only technical skills but also mental preparation and leadership. His quotes and advice continue to inspire individuals striving for excellence in their respective sports.
Shoji's enduring legacy is a testament to his dedication, innovative spirit, and commitment to developing young athletes. His impact on the sport of volleyball will be remembered for generations to come.
Quotes by Dave Shoji
Because of injuries and Alicia's virus, we've been forced to play Houston more than we expected. I thought we'd be going with our older, experienced players, but she has accelerated her growth over the weekend. She's a terminator and, for the moment, the (starting) job is hers.
I recruited a bunch of his players, and we were always on the same wavelength as far as technique and tactics. When I had a chance to hire him, I jumped at it.
I just want to be comfortable with our 'physical' level. I want to know we are physical enough to compete at the highest level.
They beat us in every phase of the game. It was not a match. We were just not ready to play at that level.
It just wasn't pretty for a long time and that's disturbing. It felt like our team just wasn't prepared, and that's the fault of the coach.
It's not going to be an overnight situation with UOP. When you're down a little bit, it's going to take longer nowadays because the competition for kids is so much greater than when UOP won the championships.
It's not the same. We're going to have tough situations in the WAC but not like Washington where the talent on the other side is better than us and we're having to battle.
There's a lot of interest from very qualified coaches, coaches who have had success at their programs. I was very surprised that it would create that kind of interest, and that quickly.
We didn't have a scholarship for Tamari. She's a good volleyball player. I don't know what our plans for her would have been. We would have evaluated her if she had been here.
You don't coach to win necessarily. You'd like to win, but you need to see most of your players, especially the ones competing for starting positions. This is the start of evaluation for next fall. We'll establish a depth chart starting now.