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ERIC MILLER / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
Dave Shoji said today he is taking a break from coaching the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team.
Hawaii women’s volleyball coach Dave Shoji today said that he is taking a break from the program while dealing with a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
The AVCA Hall of Famer, who turned 70 on Dec. 4, told the Star-Advertiser he was diagnosed a few weeks ago and will be undergoing treatment. Associate head coach Jeff Hall will take over the day-to-day operations during the interim.
“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. “I will be undergoing treatment that will take me away from my everyday coaching duties for the next several weeks. With the help of my team of doctors, my wife Mary, and the support of our family, I am trusting in God to get through this and see what my future holds.”
Shoji said he told his staff and players of his decision on Sunday. He recently completed his 42nd year with the Rainbow Wahine and is second in all-time NCAA Division I women’s volleyball victories with 1,202.
“First and foremost, Dave and his family are in our prayers,” UH Athletics Director David Matlin said in the release. “When Dave and I met last week, I understood the depth of how much he cares for the program and his student-athletes. He is an amazing coach and ambassador for the state of Hawai’i, the University of Hawai’i, and the sport of volleyball. We will continue to support him each and every step of the way.”
“Coach Shoji is a true treasure for UH and for Hawai’i,” David Lassner, UH President and UH Manoa Interim Chancellor David Lassner said in the release. “We are saddened at the news of this challenge to his health, and our immediate priority is to support Dave and his family as they identify the best path forward.”
Take care Coach.
get well coach…you can beat this!
Ditto that, take care Coach, and wishes for a speedy recovery.
Godspeed coach!
Good luck, Coach. Winning is in your blood!
I HOPE IT IS CAUGHT IN TIME.
Take care Coach, health and family first. The program will be here waiting for you when it’s time.
Echo that.
We will be praying for you Coach. Mahalo Nui Loa for all you do.
Healing prayers to Coach Shoji and family.
God bless you coach! We are lifting you and your family up in prayer for comfort and strength during this time. You got this! #blockcancer
Get well soon coach!
Plus the support of thousands of fans in Honolulu. Treatable and winable which you will do, Dave. God Bless.
Healing prayers to you and your family coach.
You’ve coached your team through so much adversity and tough opposition be it in conference or playoffs and now its time you coach yourself through this setback which I know and everybody knows you can do it….its going to be a tough battle…maybe even a 5-set battle but that last set you will pull it out and come out a winner and show your team and fans that you are the person you are…..A WINNER!!
Stay strong, Coach. Our prayers are with you for a speedy recovery.
Best of luck, Coach! We’ll be thinking about and praying for you and for your family. God Speed!
All my best for a speedy recovery.!
You’re not alone Dave. A lot of us males face this demon and it’s curable when caught early. Robotic surgery to remove the gland is the most efficient way to rid this demon from your body. God be with you brother. We pray for your complete recovery to pursue in life whatever paths come before you.
You’re players have always emphasized that they play not just for themselves or their school, but for the state that they represent, something that’s obviously instilled in them by their coach. Now it’s your time to know that there’s a state supporting your recovery and return to health. Best wishes Coach!
Great post. I agree.
agree
Can’t say it any better than you did here so…..ditto!
Thank you Heart for conveying what a lot of us feel and hope for. As another poster said, “Ganbatte!” which means persist, do one’s best, never give up!
Best of luck and come back STRONG !!!
I heard this term 15 or 20 years ago. It was a comment towards someone who was living an exemplary life. That person Shojied something like a task or a profession. Or you are a complete Shoji. Which means to repeatedly go above and beyond with ease and a measured dignity.
We love you Dave.
All the positive and prayers to Coach Shoji and his family. Speedy recovery and a long and enjoyable life.
Early detection. Hope you were taking blood tests to determine your PSA count. A great attitude goes a long way for a full and speedy recovery.
Get well son, coach.
God bless you through your recovery. Our prayers are with you for your return to your team.
Take care coach and get well soon.
Best wishes to Coach Shoji for a rapid and successful treatment. We’re all rooting for you Dave!
Hoping only for the best, Dave. See you back on the sidelines next season. Malama pono.
Our prayers go to you my friend ????????????????????
Just cut your nuts off and get back to work. Nah God bless u da best.
L.15,Sometimes people get thru their emotional pain with a try at humor, which is likely what you’ve tried. Ignoring the joke, I do join you in wishing Coach the best!
Dumb joke and bad information. Coach Shoji has prostate cancer, not testicular cancer. Cutting off nuts is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
Prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery.
May the healing spirit of the lord be with you and allow you to be here with your family and to continue coaching for as long as you desire.
Listen up, coach Shoji. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Opted to have it surgically removed. It ruined my sex live, but what the heck, I am still alive and living a good life 16 years later. I beat it and so can you. God bless you.
Dave is a special individual who has dedicated himself to one program. He deserves prayers from everybody.
With God and a million people behind you, you can beat this, Coach!
Bless you for what you’ve done. Bless you for how you have live. Bless you for what will be will be! Bless you for all eternity ! But most of all – Bless all those sending love and prayers your way! God speed!