Life as a student-athlete at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy is a dynamic journey that combines academic excellence with a passion for sports — helping Ka Makani find a happy balance between work and play.
Donning their Ka Makani red, the captains of the cross country, volleyball, and football teams assembled for “media day” at the Upper Campus to share some of their thoughts on what it means to be an athlete at HPA.
Football
Kela Livingston ’25
What’s the best part of being a part of the football team?
I think my best part is the camaraderie our players have with each other. It’s like a brotherhood. And our coaches, they care about the players and it really feels like family.
Iki Lincoln ’24
What would be your advice to someone coming to HPA when it comes to athletics?
I’d say try everything because you only have four years in high school. I think having a wider perspective on sports is good and something you can take with you in the future.
Kekai Haines ’25
What would you say to someone thinking about coming out for the football team?
Just try it out. Some people are intimidated. They think they might be too small. But at HPA, anybody can come out and play. Don’t be intimidated by it at all, it’s a very welcoming group.
Girls Volleyball
Maile Imonen ’25, Volleyball
What role do the coaches at HPA play in the overall development and well-being of the students, beyond their athletic performance?
I think the coaches at HPA are very, very helpful in more than just athletics. For example, coach Daena Craven is not just a coach to me, but a mentor in my life. And she can tell when something’s off and she will talk to me and help me figure it out. So I think that all of our coaches want everyone to get better and be as happy as they can be while also improving on the court.
Brooke Samura ’24
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant about joining a sports team or trying a new sport at your school?
If you want to try a sport, just come out and try it. Don’t be afraid that you’re not going to succeed or that you’re not going to do your best. Just come out, try it and you never know what will happen. Everyone on this team, we got each other’s back. We’re a small community over here and very good at helping each other succeed.
Cross Country
Caroline Betlach ’24, Cross Country
How has playing sports at HPA enriched your life and the sense of community within the school?
Participating in sports or joining a program at HPA is fantastic. It comes with a strong sense of community within the school. Personally, I’m involved in three varsity sports and I can’t imagine my life without them. They’ve become a significant part of my routine, allowing me to connect with a wide range of people and make lasting friendships on campus, which I find very special.
Estelle “Bella” Dadzie ’24, Cross Country
What have you come to appreciate as a student-athlete at HPA?
HPA has incredible coaches that are very supportive. On top of that, we get to use the amazing facilities that have helped me develop as a student-athlete.
Luca Kasumovich ’24, Cross Country
What is unique about cross country at HPA?
What stands out to me is the course. It’s extremely difficult, which has its benefits when you practice here. We’re prepared for everything that comes at us, especially when it comes to hills and different terrain. So it’s pretty sweet.
Mickey” Petras ’24, Cross Country
How do you balance academics and athletics?
I think the school helps you handle balancing your academics and your athletics very well. I’m able to have enough time to focus on both. Coaches and friends are always supportive and check in to make sure you’re doing well during school. It helps you maintain that balance and it’s an amazing place to be a student-athlete.