U.S. volleyball star Erik Shoji comes out as queer
Erik Shoji has spent a decade spiking balls on the world's biggest stages for the US men's volleyball team, and now he's sharing something even more personal.
In a video posted to both his Instagram and TikTok pages, the 35-year-old libero sat beside his snoozing labradoodle and said plainly, 'I'm here to tell the world today that I am queer.'
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Shoji admitted the moment felt 'scary, but freeing at the same time,' noting that self-acceptance took longer than he expected. 'I'm stronger, more confident, and more sure of myself than I've ever been,' he added, eyes shining. 'Given who I am and the platform that I have, this is my moment, and I'm so excited to move forward after this.'
The Hawai'i native has captained the U.S. men's national team since 2025, but has racked up Olympic bronze medals in Rio 2016 and Paris 2024, plus two FIVB World Cup golds. Off-court, he's a TikTok influencer known for wholesome roommate bits and behind-the-scenes vlogs from pro stints in Germany, Russia, Italy, and, most recently, Poland's powerhouse ZAKSA.
Support for his announcement poured in within minutes. USA Volleyball commented, 'Proud of you, Erik… we're honored to stand with you, always.' Fellow Olympian Merrick McHenry, himself an out gay athlete, wrote, 'Thank you for being you!' Volleyball Nations League, Mizuno, and a roster of international stars echoed the love.
Outside of McHenry, Shoji also joins the ranks of Kyle Friend, Tim Brewster, and Justin Lui as one of the out professional gay volleyball players.
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Shoji hopes the news shows younger players they can thrive without hiding. 'Moving forward means feeling completely free and myself,' he said. 'I want my life to feel like I have one life, and saying this brings it all together.'
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That next chapter starts on June 25, when the U.S. hosts China in Chicago's VNL leg, Shoji's first match since coming out. Expect the crowd to roar a little louder when No. 22 jogs onto the court as a world-class defender, now playing wide open.
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