Maui Prep’s girls volleyball team is having fun competing. PHOTOS BY RAY CHIN.

NAPILI — The educational experience at Maui Preparatory Academy here on the West Side continues to soar as Pueo fall sports programs gain traction after the pandemic-riddled seasons become a fading memory. Coupled with the grand opening of the Bozich Center athletic and arts facility, the independent school’s student body is energized as never before.

The leadership of the Pueo sports programs has shifted with Keenan Reader stepping away from the athletic director post to concentrate on his administrative duties with the upper school. He will be replaced by faculty member and basketball coach Zach Bailey.

Coach Bailey reports that the cheerleading, cross country and girls volleyball teams are all up and running in the Maui Interscholastic League’s fall season.

Coached by Ryan Kirkham, Kia Kenolio and Keolani Hill, the Maui Prep girls volleyball team competes in Division II in the MIL.

The player roster includes seniors Sadie Holmes and Hailey Walpole; juniors Yuna Lee, Lacie Leon, Josie Vasquez, Margo Perchard, Lusi Taufa, Tessa Chin and Gracie Hehemann; and first-year players Lola Doherty and Avery Kirkham.

Head Coach Kirkham reports that the graduation of six seniors has left a young and inexperienced team, with very few of the current players having any previous experience with high school volleyball.

“All that said, this a passionate group of players that are hungry to get better and grow. We talk about developing a program that is successful long term. This year is about building blocks and systems in place to be successful in the future,” said Coach Kirkham.

Maui Prep cross country in 2021 is defined by the old adage, “Quality, not quantity, is key.” Head coach Rob Lloyd reports that with COVID-19 restrictions hampering turnout, the Pueo team is smaller than usual with juniors Niko Banto and Cam Burns the dynamic duo comprising the team.

“We have shown great determination thus far, and our student-athletes are attempting to qualify for states. With the excitement of returning to competition and some promising young runners in the pipeline, Maui Prep cross country is poised for continued success in the coming seasons,” said Coach Lloyd, who is assisted by Nick Corbet this season.

The Pueo cheerleaders, led by head coach Sandy Henry, are a young and energetic group. Senior Captain Shelby Dresser leads the way and is joined by sophomore Co-captain Savanna Snyder in the leadership of the team. They are joined by sophomores Alyssa Arango, Leni Mullen and Bishop Worth, and freshmen Arianna Rector and Samantha Teschler on the cheerleading roster.

Commented Coach Sandy, “I want to teach my cheerleaders not only to cheer, but also working well together and to push themselves beyond their limitations to achieve incredible results year after year. And, of course, having fun along the way! Go Pueo!”