Kawika Shoji, the towering 198cm American volleyball sensation, carved an illustrious career marked by triumphs and international acclaim. Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, Shoji’s journey began at Stanford University, where he honed his skills before embarking on a professional volleyball odyssey.
Making his mark on the global stage, Shoji emerged as a pivotal member of the U.S. national team from 2011 to 2021. His exceptional talent as a setter propelled the team to unprecedented success, notably securing gold at the 2014 World League and the 2015 World Cup. Alongside his brother, Erik Shoji, a formidable libero, the siblings became a dynamic force on the court.
Shoji’s professional exploits took him to seven different teams across 16 major international competitions. His early years with Tampereen Isku-Volley in Finland set the stage for a remarkable career trajectory. The Berlin Recycling Volleys in Germany witnessed Shoji’s instrumental role in clinching three consecutive gold medals at the German Championships.
The accolades continued to pour in as Shoji contributed to Team USA’s gold triumph at the 2012 Men’s Pan-American Volleyball Cup and the 2015 FIVB World Cup. The pinnacle of his career arrived at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Shoji secured an Olympic bronze medal.
Amidst stints with teams like Lokomotiv Novosibirsk, Gi Group Monza, and Asseco Resovia, Shoji showcased his adaptability and prowess. His recent achievements include a silver medal at the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Nations League, setting the stage for his participation in the eagerly anticipated 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Kawika Shoji’s legacy as a versatile and accomplished volleyball player remains etched in the annals of the sport’s history.