UH begins search to replace Shoji in advance of expected retirement
STAR-ADVERTISER / 2016
Hawaii head coach Dave Shoji during his final game of 2016 at Minnesota. He’s coached the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team for 42 years.
JAMM AQUINO / 2016
Hawaii head coach Dave Shoji waves while walking off the court after his 1200th career victory.
University of Hawaii officials said today they have begun a nationwide search to replace legendary UH women’s volleyball coach Dave Shoji in anticipation of his retirement.
Shoji has been on medical leave since December when he announced he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
>> Shoji ‘feels healthy’ in appearance at banquet
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>> Shoji just enjoying another ride
UH began advertising for the position today in the event Shoji decides to retire, officials said.
A UH spokesman said Shoji has not announced plans to retire.
Shoji has amassed 1,202 victories during his 42-year coaching career at UH.
“Coach Shoji means so much to the University of Hawaii,” UH athletic director David Matlin said in a news release announcing the search. “We’ve been meeting regularly and determined that this was the best step as we move forward with the future of the Rainbow Wahine program.”
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51 responses to “UH begins search to replace Shoji in advance of expected retirement”
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thank you mr shoji….you have given alot to the university and all of the players you have coached…….life is too short….it is time for you to enjoy and relax….you deserve all the best in your retirement….you are in our prayers and we hope that god’s plan is for you to beat the cancer…..
agree…He runs a clean, cost-effective program that the community loves. Coach always did things the right way.
This makes no sense. So did he retire? Anticipation of his retirement?
It’s a Liberal institution. I don’t expect UH PR to act any other way. UH is just starting to turn the wheels in the inevitible. lol, UH being late or early to the game seems to be a losing proposition for it’s followers.
You have no idea what is happening so why are you commenting? While Shoji has not made any official announcement, one only has to think that he has indicated to UH that retiring is in his plans. UH has too much respect for Shoji. Do you really think that they would start looking for a replacement without checking with Coach Shoji’s knowledge or consent? You are a typical…never mind.
the article states, Shoji is undecided and being that said started to process to find a replacement as I assume Shoji’s decision was still up in the air. Read and Weap, “smh”
And if that is what you think about my reponse, Would you say the Libertard StarAdvertiser has no respect for Shoji reporting this news?
He’s probably going to retire. They probably talked about it behind closed doors. This way there will be a smooth transition and Shoji can help be a part of the process of choosing his successor. Once they find a candidate, they’ll probably announce his retirement.
Why does the UH announce a search if Dave Shoji has yet to announce his official retirement? I don’t get it.
I agree. Who would want to apply when it’s not even sure it’s a done deal? Why travel so far for nothing? Is this search just to find long term interest in the position once it becomes available? Perhaps Shoji should make up his mind now and not keep everyone waiting.
Don’t even go there! This man has given more than anyone could imagine to not only this program but to this State. Who are you to make a dumb comment like “he should make up his mind”. He deserves nothing but respect from ALL of us!
He has every right to make whatever comment he likes. Not everyone need to be “worshippers” to be respectful, which I think he is being. Don’t give “respect” lip service if you’re not capable of giving it.
I agree with you completely on environmental lady’s tacky comment. Her name does not fit the personality.
Dave Shoji is one of the most beloved coaches in Hawaii. You’re treading of thin ice with comments like that. The UH should wait as long as it takes for whatever to happen. There are ass’t coaches that can fill in just fine. That really was a bit cold-blooded.
Perhaps Mr Shoji can take all the time he needs to get through this. He has capable and qualified assistants who can take over the helm for now. Only he will know when it’s time for him to retire – and I hope it’s not soon. Geez how quickly we forgot how legendary he is. Thank you for all the wonderful volleyball memories!! Wishing you all the best!!
Capable assistants? Like that KA Hall? No thanks!
It’s a done deal. The Master is going bye bye finally. Read the end of the article – does someone have to hit you over the head before you “get it”?
Maybe it’s you that needs to hit the road Ox a**. The majority of us in here understands and GETS it when we talk about how much we appreciate what coach Shoji has done. Maybe you’d like to share your sentiments with his past and present players?? I’m sure they will be more than happy to give you an attitude adjustment regarding this beloved coach!!!
What makes you assume I don’t appreciate what the Master has done? I always stated he is the greatest coach in UH history, bar none. What I understand is the process in place eight now, which most of the so-called readers here fail to see even when it is so obviously stated. Do you get it?
If he does retire I hope he lives a beautiful life. He has done so much for UH and fans.
Does living a beautiful life depend on whether one’s retired or not? I think he’s been living a beautiful life all along and it’ll just be a continuation of one.
This announcement is creeping me out. Do the officials know something that we don’t? Either way, whether they do or not, it seems coldblooded to openly begin searching for a replacement while Coach Shoji is literally battling for his life.
+1
What kind of support is that for someone that has done so much for UH.
The Master agreed to this process – read the frickin’ article again.
oxtail need to stop wagging your tail once in a while. Where did it say he “agreed” to this process.
You must be a pretty good interpreter who knows how to break down the english language.
Good grief. Your mother must be proud of the little potty mouth she raised. Bet your kids are learning well from you too.
Pretty much an unofficial announcement that Shoji’s retirement is gonna happen pretty soon. Aloha, coach.
Sounds to me that they think Coach may retire. AD says they have been meeting regularly but he did not clarify if he was meeting with the Coach or others in the Athletic Department. If Coach retires, it will be a happy day because he will have completed a record setting coaching career and move on the next phase of his life. If Coach returns, it will also be a happy day because we will have him back on the court for another year. Either way its all good. Personally I hope Coach comes back one more year so we he can do the Dave Shoji aloha tour through our conference and visit places like Long Beach State one last time.
Terrible way to handle the end of a great coach’s career!
Do any of you actually know how to read? The Master AGREED with the move. Maybe some of you need to retire just like him.
Reality check. All good things must come to an end. We don’t want it end to be but what will be will be. Only fair to athletes he recruited to know
the possibilities at this point. I believe his personal well being comes first.
dave should retire and enjoy retirement. he has accomplished quite a bit and had a very successful coaching career. he will always be remembered as one if not the best UH coaches ever. wish him well in a well deserved and long overdue retirement. will miss him, but he had provided so many thrills for us fans and we really appreciate him for all he did. what a great career. dave, take care and happy retirement.
Seems like UH is trying to push Shoji out. Why else would they start a nationwide search?
Coach Dave, take care of your body and take care of your ohana. #1 priority.
Hopefully he will beat this cancer and enjoy his retirement.
If we are going to have a new coach it should come from within and coach Dave should make the choice.
It appears that the UH knows something we don’t, namely that Coach Shoji is going to retire. Coach Shoji may not be prepared to make any announcement yet. But UH probably feels some pressure to have a coach ready in time for the pre-season recruiting. I only hope the announcement was made in cooperation with Coach Shoji. Otherwise, UH should have waited even if the delay would have negatively affected the Volleyball season, just out of respect for Coach Shoji’s years of service and stellar career.
It would be interesting to see who will put in their application to be the caretaker of the greatest gig in NCAA women’s volleyball. It is not only about bringing championships here, but more about respecting the sport and moving it forward.
Remember these numbers ~ 42/1202/70….what an accomplishment; when coach Dave announced his condition, that fellow fans was his “Aloha” announcement. Let’s respect coach Dave dedicating 42 years, amassing 1202 victories at the age of 70 years. Yes! He is the “Master” of UH Women’s Volleyball. Dave ~ enjoy life with your Ohana and share many more cups of ice cream with your “Lovely Wife”.
I hope you beat cancer Dave with your team of doctors because thats all it matters Thoughts and prayers!
Coach Dave Shoji is a class act! Hearing from all his players how he made a positive difference in their lives says it all. The Wahine have performed year in and year out at the highest level for as long as I can remember. Also need to mention the academic excellence of his players every season. Wishing him the best!
“…in anticipation of his retirement.” Sounds like a forced retirement you ask me.
Give um credit, ran a great program with no problems with the NCAA for all these years. No costly buy out like Gib. Hope he beats the cancer and enjoy his retirement.
In the words of Lex Brodie, “Thank you very much.”
Dave: Take all the time you need, and make the right decision for you and your family. Meanwhile, you have a ton of support in the community aside from one poster here who really should consider changing his name to “oxy-moron.”
Here here!!!
Good one. Agree 100%. Oxy seems to be the little crab in the bottom of the pail, trying to pull all above him to his level.
To be at my level you would need to raise your IQ by at least a 1000%
Dont get so mad Ox..no one in here is buying your you know what, nor do we care! Keep on posting and we will keep on bashing….simple as that!
“…take all time you want….”, hey m….n, he’s not listening to you, especially given the fact you don’t know how to read or don’t understand English.
Perhaps UH is looking for a head coach in waiting. Someone to learn the system and understand the Rainbow Wahine way.
What is inferred in the last paragraph? If he agreed to the search or his impending “push out the door”? Not a nudge but a gentle … shove?