Dave Shoji Retires As Coach of the Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Team

Dave Shoji has retired after 42 years as the second-winningest coach in NCAA history with 1,202 victories. Additionally, he brought four national championships to the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball program during his tenure.

He and his wife Mary take great pleasure in stand-up paddling for the Outrigger Canoe Club, a sport which has been an important part of their lives for many years. They are deeply appreciative of all of the support they’ve received over these past decades from fans and friends.

Early Life and Education

Dave Shoji was born and raised in Upland, California and excelled at three sports: football, basketball and baseball.

At UC Santa Barbara, he earned two All-American honors in volleyball. Following graduation, he served in the Army for two years.

Dave Shoji, the head coach of UH’s Rainbow Wahine volleyball team, has led his teams to over 860 victories and four national championships. Additionally, he coached 35 All-Americans and was inducted into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his achievements.

He and his wife Mary reside in Manoa with their three children – Cobey, Kawika and Erik – whom the elder son has earned the distinction of being named AVCA Player of the Year (2010).

Professional Career

Dave Shoji is a former professional athlete who played both volleyball and baseball for the Los Angeles Clippers. While at UC Santa Barbara, he earned All-American honors in both sports. Following graduation, the Clippers selected him in the second round of their draft process.

Last year, his professional career came to a close when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. But that diagnosis proved to be a blessing in disguise for him, according to him.

He now has more time to watch and support the University of Hawai’i Wahine. Plus, he’s active in his community by coaching Kalani High School girls’ and boys’ teams.

He and his wife Mary reside in Manoa. Together they have three children: Cobey, Kawika and Erik.

Achievements and Honors

Dave Shoji is the second-winningest coach in NCAA Division I history. During his 42 seasons at UH, he guided the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team to four national championships (1979, 1982, 1983 and 1987) as well as 25 conference titles.

Legendary UH coach Frank Martin also coached eight National Player of the Year awards and five Olympians, for a total of 1,202 career victories.

He earned numerous accolades throughout his coaching career, including being named one of the NCAA’s All Time Greatest Coaches and being selected to lead their 25th anniversary Team.

Dave Shoji is a proud father and husband to his wife Mary, as well as father to their three children: Cobey, Kawika and Erik. In addition to his impressive resume, Dave also enjoys spending quality time with family.

Personal Life

Dave Shoji was the former coach of the University of Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine volleyball team from 1975 to 2017, and held the record as winningest coach in Division I women’s volleyball history with 1,107 victories.

Shoji has guided the Wahine to four national championships and 25 conference titles during his tenure, earning him five times Coach of the Year honors and cementing himself as one of USA Volleyball’s all-time great coaches.

He is also the proud father of two children and grandfather to two grandchildren. His older son Kawika, a member of the U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team, and younger son Erik are professional volleyball players in Berlin.

Net Worth

Dave Shoji is a retired American volleyball coach who served as the head coach of the Rainbow Wahine Volleyball team at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa from 1975 to 2017. During this time, Shoji amassed 1,107 victories and became the winningest coach in Division I women’s volleyball history.

He was born in Upland, California and developed an interest in sports such as football, basketball and baseball. While attending the University of California at Santa Barbara, he played volleyball and earned All-American accolades.

In addition to coaching, he’s also been active in community service. As a member of the Hawai’i Board of Education and coach mentor at a local Boys & Girls Club, he serves as an example to others. Aside from golfing and stand-up paddleboarding, his passions also extend outside of work.