Like any smart coach Dave Shoji leaves his options open as long as possible.
"At this moment I have no intention of retiring," the University of Hawaii volleyball living legend said Thursday. "But I want to evaluate things after the first of the year to make sure I feel the same way."
So, these two NCAA matches (one, only if his entire team somehow doesn’t find its way to the Stan Sheriff Center tonight against Idaho State) could be his last home events as head volleyball coach, a job he has held for 39 years.
Life in Hawaii just wouldn’t be the same without Shoji leading the Rainbow Wahine. It would be like not seeing the Kamehameha statue in front of Aliiolani Hale, or if all the Longs Drugs stores closed.
I guess we all have to deal with the idea that the time will eventually come when Shoji puts down the clipboard for the final time.
But whether that is in a few weeks or a few years there is good news to go with it: Dave Shoji will remain a positive force around the UH athletic department.
In recent weeks, athletic director Ben Jay and Shoji have had conversations that started out as casual and grew into something more about Shoji taking on some duties in the administration.
Before we continue, it’s good to understand "duties in the administration" doesn’t mean "administrative duties." Shoji’s role would be more like an adviser or consultant than an operations manager — something he could do and still coach. Jay and Shoji are working toward this regardless of when Shoji will retire as coach.
"It’s independent of coaching, strictly voluntary on my part. I definitely didn’t want to have my contract altered," Shoji said. "Actually, I told Ben I would like to be part of his management team in the sense that I can contribute in whatever capacity he sees fit."
Turns out Jay had the same thoughts in mind.
"We came up with a lot of the same ideas independently, about trying to grow the program and correct some things," Jay said. "One of the biggest areas he can help is in being a liaison (between administrators and coaches). Anytime you can help the communication, the better. You never want the coaches to feel like they’re not being heard."
Jay, who has been in Hawaii and on the job less than a year, is still developing his sense for some of the unique, well, let’s say "processes" here. Few if any at Manoa know the lay of the land better than Shoji.
"I might see some things he doesn’t, serve as someone he can shoot ideas off of," Shoji said. "I respect him as a manager and respect the things he wants to do. Whatever he’s comfortable with. I feel like I have something to offer. He seems very interested.
"I’ve been here so long. My heart is here, with this department."
Jay doesn’t want to "get too far ahead of things," but wants to give Shoji a title to go with the new role.
Dave Shoji, head volleyball coach/special adviser to the athletic director, that sounds good — with the "volleyball coach" part still there for a long time to come.
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