Hawaii’s rich Olympic volleyball history added an unprecedented chapter on Tuesday when three Hawaii-born players were named to the U.S. men’s team that will compete at the Summer Games in Brazil this August.
Setters Micah Christenson (Kamehameha) and Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) as well as libero Erik Shoji (Punahou) comprise a quarter of the 12-man roster announced by USA Volleyball. Not only is it the first time that three Hawaii-born volleyball players will compete at the same Olympics, but the Shoji brothers become the first to do so at the same Games for the U.S.
“It’s unbelievable to represent our home like this, to represent our island and culture and everything that comes with it,” Christenson said in an interview from Rome, where the U.S. is competing in FIVB World League. “Hawaii is home no matter where we live or compete. It’s a privilege to be on this team and we will do the best we possibly can to make Hawaii proud.”
The three are among eight making their Olympic debut. The average age of the U.S. squad is 27.8 and there are nine players younger than 30, including the three from Hawaii.
The players learned of their selection on Sunday while in Brazil for World League play. Dave and Mary Shoji received a call from their sons with the news but were sworn to secrecy until Tuesday’s official announcement.
“It was a nice Father’s Day present,” said Dave Shoji, entering his 42nd season as coach of the University of Hawaii women’s volleyball team. “Hawaii has had a rich history of Olympians and great volleyball players, but it’s amazing that three could make the team.
“It is pretty cool.”
“I’m speechless,” added Mary Shoji, a former Wahine basketball player. “We’re so excited for all the boys, but having three representing Hawaii is so amazing.
“As parents, you know how hard they’ve worked for this. This has been their dream for our boys for a long time, and for them to be able to share it on Father’s Day was special.”
Dave and Mary Shoji had booked their travel to Brazil a while ago “with a little trepidation because you never know for sure,” Dave Shoji said. “But you had to, because if you tried to now, you probably can’t get accommodations.”
Shoji will miss the first two weeks of the Rainbow Wahine’s preseason workouts but had anticipated that possibility. He said all the practices have been planned out and there will be daily Skype sessions.
“I have confidence in my staff and players,” Shoji said. “We’re all on the same page.”
Hawaii opens preseason practice Aug. 8, with the Wahine’s first match Aug. 26 against Wisconsin. The U.S. begins Olympic pool play against Canada in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 7, with competition running through Aug. 21.
Past Olympians
Nearly two dozen volleyball players who were either born in Hawaii or had Hawaii ties have previously competed in the Games. The last to do so at the 2012 London Olympics were all Hawaii-born: Lindsey Berg (Punahou), Tamari Miyashiro (Kalani) and Clay Stanley (Kaiser).
