Dave Shoji, the 2010 AVCA National Coach of the Year, was a special guest of Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle at her state-of-the-state address yesterday and received a standing ovation from the legislators and members of the public who were in attendance. The audience erupted into applause as Governor Lingle praised Coach Shoji (pictured inset right with his wife Mary) for his dedication to excellence.
"On his way to being named this year's American Volleyball Coaches Association Coach of the Year, UH Women's Volleyball Coach, Dave Shoji, became only the second coach in NCAA history to win 1,000 matches," Governor Lingle said.
"There are now 330 women's volleyball teams in Division I and the Wahine have been ranked in the top 10 in the final polls all but 5 of his 35 years of coaching. I appreciate Coach Shoji and his wife Mary for attending today so that I could have this chance to recognize him for the great person that he is and thank him for the message he has given to the youth of Hawai'i, especially the girls, that with hard work and determination they can compete with the best in the country.
"Thank you Coach for the pride you bring to the people of Hawai'i every time you walk onto the court, and for bringing us such joy this year by again taking the Wahine to the Final Four. Please join me in expressing our appreciation to Coach Dave Shoji for his decades of teaching and inspiring the young women of Hawai'i."