Iolani School senior Kawika Shoji, The Advertiser's reigning State Co-Player of the Year in volleyball, said yesterday he has made a verbal commitment to play for Stanford on a partial athletic scholarship.

Shoji, son of longtime University of Hawai'i women's coach Dave Shoji, turned down offers from UCLA, Southern California and UC Irvine after visiting all four schools. He plans to sign a national letter of intent Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.

"It was an extremely hard choice," Shoji said. "All of the coaches and players I met (on the visits) were all cool, and all four schools have respected programs. It was a scary decision, but I just couldn't pass up the education at Stanford, and they have a competitive Division I volleyball program."

Shoji is a 6-foot-3 1/2 setter/hitter who has led the Raiders to a runner-up finish in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu this season. Iolani begins state tournament play tonight against Castle. He said Stanford "will use me wherever they think I fit in the best."

Shoji also is one of the ILH's top golfers and played a key role on Iolani's state championship basketball teams the past two years. His cumulative grade point average is 4.1.

Shoji said his father, who has been UH's head coach for the past 31 seasons, offered some guidance in the recruiting process but left all decisions up to him.

"I wanted to find the best combination of academics and athletics, and my parents supported any decision I made," Shoji said.

"I have to thank them and especially Iolani School; my college counselors helped me tremendously. I'm super relieved it's over."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.