LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Hawai'i head women's volleyball coach Dave Shoji was named the AVCA West Region Coach of the Year, announced by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, his fourth career honor.

 

Now in his 35th season, Shoji and his UH team have continued building their legacy in the volleyball world in 2009. Shoji, who picked up milestone win No. 1,000 on Oct. 17, has coached the Rainbow Wahine to their 28th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, and the squad will be making its 25th regional appearance Friday when it faces off against Illinois in the Stanford Regional.

 

The Rainbow Wahine plowed through the season with a 30-2 overall record, captured their 10th straight Western Athletic Conference (WAC) tournament title, secured their 14th consecutive WAC regular-season title with a perfect 16-0 league mark and are currently riding a 26-match win-streak.

 

Dubbed the WAC's Coach of the Year, Shoji picks up his fourth AVCA West Region Coach of the Year honor (2003, 2004, 2005, 2009) and his 10^th overall AVCA Regional Coach of the Year honor.