Erik Shoji

Erik Shoji is a Japanese American volleyball player from Honolulu, Hawaii. He is a two-time Olympian and was part of the bronze medal-winning team in 2016 in Brazil. Erik plays the position of Libero, a unique role in volleyball. The Libero’s primary responsibilities are digging and passing. Liberos wear a different-colored jersey than the rest of the team and remain exclusively in the backcourt.

In a 2022 interview with NPR, Erik shared how his passion for volleyball is deeply connected to his identity as an Asian American. “An interesting thing to know about volleyball is that it’s huge in the Asian American and Pacific Islander culture. Growing up in Hawaii, where we are the majority, I would say it’s huge. And I know it’s huge all over Polynesia. I know it’s huge all over Asia. So if I wasn’t born and raised in that community, I’m not sure if I would have this love for volleyball like I do.”

Erik also credits his grandparents for teaching him about Japanese culture and shared their remarkable story. They met in an internment camp during World War II. “As many people know, Japanese Americans around the time of Pearl Harbor were put into internment camps. My grandparents actually met in the camps and were married there. So through some rough times, I think our family was almost born. And I think it’s an interesting story to tell. It’s not a very unique one for Japanese Americans, unfortunately. But celebrating my grandparents—amazing, amazing Japanese Americans who loved their culture and loved America as well—is something I cherish.”

When asked about his favorite thing about being Asian American, Erik says it’s the food! Team USA plays their next game tomorrow against Japan. Go Erik, go! #TeamUSA @make.us.visible

Size: 8 x 10