The team finished the season in the middle of the MIL standings. PHOTO BY GLEN PASCUAL.

LAHAINA – An unmistakable optimism empowers the Lahainaluna High School girls soccer program. Led by veteran coach and administrator Sky Delaney, the Lady Lunas finished the 2019-20 season last month in the middle of the Maui Interscholastic League standings with their collective eyes focused on future successes.

Coach Sky, assisted by Chris Baum and Nathan Mau, leads a team that thrives on a positive attitude, character and a stellar work ethic.

“This program continues to work towards giving the players a competitive environment to improve their skills and confidence. We look forward to seeing this group next season hungry and focused, knowing a bit more about what it takes,” said Delaney last week.

The 2019-20 Lady Lunas were led by senior captains Makena Cowan, Kailee Badua (a four-year starter) and Sandra Esparza. Junior captains Victoria Vera and Ihilani Garcia led a large contingent of their classmates on the roster that included Mia Powley, Teani Buenconsejo, Ana-Paula Rogriguez, Damali Olea Briceno, Kahealani Garcia, Shaden Flores, Taryn Cabingas, Peatalita Kaufononga, Jenistee Pedroza and Malia Pitzer.

That optimism for the future is banked on the sophomore and first-year players. That group includes tenth-graders Alexis Cowan and Maile Cacal, and freshmen Charissa Abut, Lacie Leon, Sophia Allen, Tiana Bryant, Makena Murphy and Odalys Rodrigues.

Coach Sky expressed his appreciation to Chiarra Clark for her continuing support of the program, to Athletic Director Scott Soldwisch, Athletic Trainers Jon Conrad and Rebecca Cohen, and Team Managers Sherlyn Pedroza, Hailey Cardon and Erica Ramos.

Special thanks also went out to Team Parents Pamela Vera, Darice Garcia and Valerie Leon, Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School Principal Rebecca Winkie and Administrator Irene Tihada for facilitating the use of facilities for practice, and Lori Gomez for leading the alma mater song tradition.

He also thanked Annie and James Hayes for their years of dedicated service to West Maui youth soccer programs, Jeff Rogers and Mark Tillman with their support from the Lahainaluna High School Foundation, Luna coaches and volunteers for upkeep of the stadium, and Tony Griffith and all of the MIL referees for all their time and energy to ensure that the league has sanctioned, competitive matches during the season.

“Mahalos to all players, parents and coaches. We are looking forward to our next season,” concluded Coach Sky.