Erik Shoji

Erik Shoji is a Japanese American volleyball player. He’s from Honolulu Hawaii and he is a two time Olympian. He was part of the bronze medal team in 2016 in Brazil. He plays a position called Libero, the Libero is a unique position as he/she job is to dig and pass. They are often found wearing a different color shirt than the rest of team and can only stay in the backcourt.

In an interview in 2022 Erik told NPR that his passion for volley ball comes from being 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 all - 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 credits his grandparents for teaching him about Japanese culture, they met at internment camp during WW2. “As many people know, Japanese Americans around the time of Pearl Harbor were put into internment camps. And 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, love their culture, loved America as well”

Erik says his favorite thing about Asian American is the food! Team USA plays their next game tomorrow against Japan. Go Erik Go #teamusa@make.us.visible

Size 8 x 10