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The University of Utah Athletics
Launiere Adds Shoji to Volleyball Staff
2/23/2015 12:00 AM | Volleyball
Feb. 23, 2015
SALT LAKE CITY - Utah volleyball head coach Beth Launiere has announced the hiring of Malia Shoji to the role of assistant coach.
"Malia has so many qualities that will add value to our program and it was very clear right away she was someone that I wanted on my staff," said Launiere. "Her knowledge of the game and of the learning process will be instrumental in our player development. Malia's communication and organizational abilities will be instrumental in her role as recruiting coordinator, as well. I couldn not be more excited to have Malia join the Utah Volleyball staff as I believe she will create a role bigger than her position."
Shoji makes the move to Salt Lake City after serving as an assistant coach under Brad Saindon at Western Oregon University, a NCAA Division II and Great Northwest Athletic Conference member, since 2012.
"I was immediately drawn to the family atmosphere, which was so evident within the team, the athletic department and the community," said Shoji. "There is something special about Utah athletics and I am lucky to get to be a part of that. "I have always admired Beth as a coach and I am excited to help add to the strong foundation the Utes have built. I thank Beth and the athletic staff for welcoming me and giving me this opportunity."
While working at WOU, Shoji assisted in the planning and execution of player development, was WOU's primary recruiting coordinator, assisted in off-season training and oversaw video/statistics analysis, as well. She coordinated team travel, initiated fundraising efforts for the volleyball program and was the Wolves' primary camp director. In Shoji's first season with the Wolves, the squad finished the campaign with a 21-6 overall record and finished in second-place in the GNAC with a mark of 14-4.
Prior to her stint with the Wolves' program, Shoji was an assistant coach with Willamette University in 2011 where she helped establish the Capital City Elite Volleyball Club and served as the Director of Business Operations.
Shoji's coaching experience also includes serving as lead coach for the Gold Medal Squared Volleyball Camps (2012-14), head junior varsity coach at La Jolla Country Day School (2008-10), head coach for the La Jolla Volleyball Club (2008-09) and head coach at Saddleback Valley Volleyball Club (2007).
Shoji earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of California - San Diego in 2009 and is currently on pace to receive her Master of Science degree in Education, Information Technology from Western Oregon this spring. She also attended Irvine Valley College where she earned an Associate's Degree in Business Administration.
What people are saying about Shoji:
Brad Saindon - Head Volleyball Coach, Western Oregon
"The University of Utah has gained a huge asset in their volleyball program. Malia Shoji is a terrific volleyball coach and will be a great addition to Beth Launiere's outstanding program. Malia is bright, funny, organized and has a very good volleyball mind. She will work ceaselessly for her new team and I will miss her."
Dave Shoji - Head Volleyball Coach, Hawai'i
"Malia has established her own identity in the volleyball world. Certainly inspired by her father, uncle and cousins, who are firmly entrenched in the volleyball community, she has sought all kinds of input and come up with quite a well-rounded philosophy in our sport. She will thrive under coach Launiere and contribute to the future success of Utah volleyball."
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