Dave Shoji, head coach of the University of Hawaii, will be taking a leave of absence from the team due to a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Associate head coach Jeff Hall is set to oversee the program in Shoji’s absence as he undergoes treatment.
“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,” said Shoji. “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.”
The 2016 season was Shoji’s 42nd with the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program. Shoji led the squad to their fourth Big West Conference title in the past five years, and their 24th-straight and 35th overall NCAA Tournament appearance.
In the final week of the season, Shoji became the second coach in NCAA Division I history to reach 1,200 wins, joining Penn State’s Russ Rose. His overall career record is 1,202-204-1.
“He is an amazing coach and ambassador for the state of Hawaii, the University of Hawaii, and the sport of volleyball. We will continue to support him each and every step of the way,” said University of Hawaii’s Athletics Director David Matlin.
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