It wasn’t unexpected, and it’s not an official retirement, but news that the University of Hawaii has launched the process to find Dave Shoji’s likely replacement was still unsettling.

After all, the highly respected Shoji has built the UH women’s volleyball program up from very humble beginnings at Klum Gym, amassing a 1,202-204-1 record over 42 years as head coach.

Equally impressive as the on-court performance was the off-court conduct of Shoji and the Wahine, perennially doing UH proud. Quite a feat, considering the tumult to UH athletics over the years caused by some student athletes and a few disappointing coaches.

Shoji, 70, continues his radiation treatment against prostate cancer. It speaks volumes about him, and the regard in which he is held, that this difficult transition now underway should get his input on a successor — when, and if, retirement comes.