Maile Lawson, a senior from Waimea, swims 100- and 200-meter breaststroke and 200-meter IM (independent medley) for Ka Makani. When not in the pool, she mixes it up with cross country and track. As she begins her final swim season for HPA, we asked her to reflect on her experiences.
When and how did you first start swimming?
I have been swimming since I was just about 12. I began with a small club team in Kona. Honestly, I had no motivation to sign up, but my mother took me down to the community pool, and I have loved it ever since!
As you look ahead at this season, what opportunities or challenges come to mind? Will you be focusing on any particular skills or milestones?
Every season you face challenges, and I think the most important part is really taking the time to learn from them. They are an important piece to show you how much more you can do! This season I will be focusing on small adjustments that will help improve all my strokes. My goal is to find the kinks and fix them so I can move forward with harder training!
Tell us about your life at HPA overall.
I love it. And by “it” I mean everything. Plain and simple. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I have been so lucky to be a part of all of this, and I hope many others get the chance to experience what I have. Our history department is one of my favorites—every teacher has something special and such incredible wisdom to share with anyone who asks. I love the Friday night lava lounges and Olympics, just like everyone! I love being a student here. It’s like a family to me, and I know that everyone cares so much and pushes each other to be the best they can be.
What does playing for Ka Makani mean to you?
For me, it means you play for everything and everyone. It is never a self-centered thing. You play for your school and for the people who support you. You play to represent HPA as a whole. Giving your all is how you give back.
Editor’s note: This profile first appeared in the fall 2018 issue of Ma Ke Kula.