Erik Shoji. Photo: Lega Pallavolo Serie A, via Wikipedia Commons
Erik Shoji, captain of the U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team and widely considered the world’s best libero, has publicly come out as queer. The 35-year-old Olympian shared his news on TikTok and Instagram, receiving immense support from his 1.6 million combined followers, reports Outsports.
A three-time Olympian, Shoji has been a cornerstone of the national team since 2013, helping the U.S. secure bronze medals at the 2016 and 2024 Olympics and the 2018 World Championship.
“It feels scary, but freeing at the same time,” Shoji shared, emphasizing his journey of self-acceptance. “Given who I am and the platform that I have, this is my moment.”
From a prominent Hawaiian volleyball family, Shoji’s career includes becoming the first four-time AVCA All-American at Stanford University. He’s played professionally across Europe, notably winning Champions League titles in 2022 and 2023with Polish club ZAKSA.
The volleyball community has shown overwhelming support. USA Volleyball praised his “courage, authenticity, and leadership,” while the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), his sponsor Mizuno, and fellow player Merrick McHenryalso offered encouragement.
Shoji hopes his openness will make him a role model. “Moving forward means feeling completely free and myself,” he stated. “I hope they don’t think any differently of me. This is part of who I am, and if they love me before that, they’ll love me after.”
