Q+A
with Dave Shoji

» For the record

RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM

The winningest active coach in women's volleyball took time out for a brief chat:

WI: Is this the toughest schedule you've ever had?

Shoji: I'm not sure if it's the toughest, but it's certainly one of the most challenging. Just about every team we play early is a national power.

WI: Is this the year Hawaii finally loses a WAC match? (the streak is 91)

Shoji: I don't like to look at possible losses. The goal is to win every match and win the WAC. The streak is nice to talk about, but it's just talk.

WI: Do the three new WAC teams make for tougher travel?

Shoji: They'll be challenging, but we've handled the road pretty well. We're not going to lose because of the road. It will be because the other team beat us.

WI: It's early, but who are your picks for the final four?

Shoji: I've got to put Washington and Nebraska in there. After that, it's pretty wide open. Everybody lost key players. Stanford's got really good players back.

WI: And Hawaii?

Shoji: We certainly have some things going for us, but we're not a slam-dunk team with so much talent that we'd be favored to be there. We'll have to earn it.

WI: Still getting feedback over the NCAA not letting you host last season?

Shoji: The selection committee heard a lot from coaches, not just from our area. They felt there were inequities all over the country. Hopefully, they'll be able to come up with a better, balanced field.

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For the record

In 31 seasons with the Wahine, coach Dave Shoji has compiled an 870-150-1 record for an .852 winning percentage, which is best among active coaches:

YEAR W L 1975 16 2 1976 14 5 1977 22 5 1978 * 28 10 1979 36 5 1980 34 10 1981 37 2 1982 33 1 1983 34 2 1984 33 11 1985 28 13 1986 31 7 1987 37 2 1988 33 3 1989 29 3

YEAR W L 1990 28 6 1991 26 5 1992 15 12 1993 19 11 1994 25 5 1995 31 1 1996 35 3 1997 25 8 1998 32 3 1999 29 2 2000 31 2 2001 29 6 2002 34 2 2003 36 2 2004 30 1

Bold denotes national titles
* One tied match