Erik Shoji: “I Was Shaking” — The Moments That Changed Everything | Tie-Break Volleyball Podcast

Erik Shoji is one of the best liberos in the world. A long-time member of the U.S. national team, Erik has also won the Champions League twice. He has such an interesting journey, so I’m really excited to welcome him to this new episode of Tie-Break, my volleyball podcast. Make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications — new episodes drop every week. Let’s grow volleyball together and make the sport bigger than ever. For partnerships and sponsorship opportunities: 📩 [email protected] My Social Networks Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/jeromevolle... Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@jeromevolleyb... Timecodes : 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:28 Who is Erik? 0:02:35 Did you have a dream? 0:03:31 From a volleyball family 0:04:46 Being Shoji’s son 0:05:55 Favorite subject at school? 0:06:54 Do you ever feel tired? 0:07:45 After a break 0:09:06 Harder physically or mentally? 0:10:02 About the playoffs 0:11:21 Playing with your brother (Kawika Shoji) 0:12:53 Growing up in America 0:14:33 Becoming a pro 0:17:57 Joining the national team 0:20:02 Any role models? 0:21:30 Growing up on an island 0:22:17 Any clichés? 0:22:52 First year in Germany 0:24:00 What did you learn after 4 years? 0:25:56 Is it easier to speak to a camera? 0:27:34 First Olympics (Rio 2016) 0:32:24 Why are the Olympics harder? 0:33:56 Best Olympics? 0:36:35 Feeling old? 0:37:48 Playing in Russia 0:41:39 Playing in Italy 0:42:33 Becoming a libero 0:44:46 Transfer market talk 0:46:02 Back in Russia 0:49:16 Tokyo 2021 Olympics 0:50:12 Olympic pressure 0:52:52 Win against Italy (3rd place) 0:55:28 Taking a break from social media 0:56:51 Coming out as queer 1:07:28 Feelings about Poland 1:09:12 Any rituals? 1:10:39 Not playing much in Resovia 1:12:04 Thoughts on other championships? 1:13:14 Thinking about retiring? 1:15:39 TIE-BREAK #volleyball