HONOLULU (AP) - University of Hawaii head women’s volleyball coach Dave Shoji has officially announced his retirement and one of his former players and assistant coaches has taken over for him.
Monday’s announcement comes after UH officials revealed plans earlier this month to launch a nationwide search for the next person to lead the team in anticipation of Shoji’s retirement.
Athletic director David Matlin said Robyn Ah Mow-Santos was selected as Shoji’s successor out of three finalists interviewed for the position.
Shoji has spent 42 years with the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program and was on medical leave since December, when he announced he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
“I feel fine. Yeah, I have no problems right now, just going through some treatment, but I feel great,” Shoji said during a Monday news conference. “I’ve got great doctors and God willing, I’ll be fine.”
Shoji leaves the program with 1,202 wins - the second-most in NCAA Division I history - and four national championships.
“I’m happy to officially announce my retirement as the Rainbow Wahine volleyball coach,” Shoji said in a statement. “After much discussion with my wife Mary and my immediate family we felt the time was right to step away from coaching. I feel truly humbled and honored to have coached for 42 years and I’m grateful for all the support from our great fans, student-athletes, assistant coaches, and administration.”
Shoji said Ah Mow-Santos is “an excellent choice” for the team and that she has his full support.
Ah Mow-Santos served as assistant coach under Shoji from 2011 to 2015 and played for him from 1993 to 1996.
She will receive a three-year contract.
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