The Center for Athletics and Performing Arts is projected to open in November 2019 at Maui Preparatory Academy.

NAPILI – The supporting drive is entitled “Give A Little Aloha,” and the campaign to enrich the Maui Preparatory Academy campus with its Center for Athletics and Performing Arts is indeed a giant step in creating a positive addition to the independent school at the foothills above Napili.

With a projected cost of $3.5 million, $2 million has been raised to date, and the facility is set to be completed by November of 2019, explained project spokesperson and grant coordinator Jenny Worth.

“The Center for Athletics and Performing Arts will have two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, a dance/yoga/music studio, home and visitor locker rooms, athletic director and coach’s offices, restrooms and a demonstration kitchen. The facility will cover 11,900 square feet,” she said.

This project comes at an opportune time as Athletic Director and Maui Prep College Counselor Keenan Reader announced two weeks ago that longtime West Side youth basketball mentor Chris Salem has taken the position of Na Pueo head basketball coach.

“We are excited to welcome Chris to the coaching staff here at Maui Prep. His commitment and dedication to supporting kids in West Maui through basketball is inspirational. He understands the primary focus of the program is to build outstanding citizens and community members through athletics. Maui Prep is fortunate to have him guiding our program,” said Reader.

Coach Chris has spent many years involved in the West Maui Youth Basketball League as a mentor to keiki ages five to 15 years old.

Salem cuts an imposing figure at 6’3″, but his light hearted and gentle personality coupled with his experience as a high school and collegiate player in Southern California will serve well in the Pueo hoops program.

Jorge Ruiz and Edgar Brands will add even more experience to the coaching staff as Na Pueo prepare for the season opener in December.

Maui Prep will start with a junior varsity team this winter as well as an intermediate school age program.

“We hope to build a solid basketball foundation from high school to grade school with student-athletes that will share the valuable lessons that youth sports provide,” said Coach Chris.

“Our first games are just weeks away, and our goal is to create building blocks for a solid foundation in the future.”

For more information on Maui Prep basketball and the Center for Athletics and Performing Arts, call (808) 665-9966.