Hawaii women’s volleyball coach Dave Shoji today said that he is taking a break from the program while dealing with a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The AVCA Hall of Famer, who turned 70 on Dec. 4, told the Star-Advertiser he was diagnosed a few weeks ago and will be undergoing treatment. Associate head coach Jeff Hall will take over the day-to-day operations during the interim.

“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few weeks ago but I did not want to announce it and become a distraction to the team.” Shoji said in a press release. “I will be undergoing treatment that will take me away from my everyday coaching duties for the next several weeks. With the help of my team of doctors, my wife Mary, and the support of our family, I am trusting in God to get through this and see what my future holds.”

Shoji said he told his staff and players of his decision on Sunday. He recently completed his 42nd year with the Rainbow Wahine and is second in all-time NCAA Division I women’s volleyball victories with 1,202.

“First and foremost, Dave and his family are in our prayers,” UH Athletics Director David Matlin said in the release. “When Dave and I met last week, I understood the depth of how much he cares for the program and his student-athletes. He is an amazing coach and ambassador for the state of Hawai’i, the University of Hawai’i, and the sport of volleyball. We will continue to support him each and every step of the way.”

“Coach Shoji is a true treasure for UH and for Hawai’i,” David Lassner, UH President and UH Manoa Interim Chancellor David Lassner said in the release. “We are saddened at the news of this challenge to his health, and our immediate priority is to support Dave and his family as they identify the best path forward.”