The MIL champion Maui Preparatory Academy boys golf team finished second in the state tournament.

NAPILI — The high-flying Maui Preparatory Academy golf program continues on its championship trajectory as the 2023 interscholastic competitions close out the current season.

The boys and girls Na Pueo teams rose to the top at both the Maui Interscholastic League and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association championship events. The girls team finished the MIL slate with a 5-1 record good for second place, and then went to Waialua on Kauai to capture sixth place as the top team from the MIL.

The Maui Prep boys followed suit and then some with an undefeated MIL title run and a silver medal at states.

The Maui Prep wahine were coached by Lahainaluna High School grad Mark Merrill, and the team roster consisted of senior team captain Mia Merrill and classmates Ysa Bayani and Brianna Van Boxtel; junior Rebekah Ankey; sophomore Lauren Brown; and first-year athletes Tehya Chumley, Sacha Salem, Sofia Mallari, Layla Merrill and Ana Nguyen.

Referencing the youthfulness of the roster, Coach Mark looks forward to much success for the program in the future. “We are looking good for next year with so many returning. A foundation is set for the future with the Fab 5 Freshmen! We have a full schedule of tourneys this summer to prepare for next year, and the team is eager to take the leap to the next level of competitive golf while representing Maui Prep and themselves,” he said.

Jason Gilbert guided the boys team and was assisted by Pete Manolis. The player roster was headed up by team captain Dillon Jonke and included Chris Salem, Renner Chumley, Landon Long, Arsjayah Marshall, Kai Shivley, Arjun Patel, Carter Bozich, Amadeo Drechsel, Gavin Ames, TJ Hehemann, Noa Sheveland, Logan Kalar, Coen Fitzgerald and Legend Storer.

Coming from a youth sports coaching background — including mentoring golf at Pebble Beach in California — Coach Jason has maintained his passion to teach and challenge the kids to be their best.

“One of my proudest moments was when all of the players wanted to compete in the MIL championships. All the players knew they would have to give their all in this competition,” he said.

“This team worked together and created a brotherhood for a lifetime of memories, and Pete and myself could not be happier to have coached them. We’d like to thank Mrs. Chumley, Mr. Long and Dr. Solis for their amazing assistance, and the entire Pueo Parents for their support all season long. Lastly, we would like to thank Mr. Kirkman and Mr. Bailey for allowing us the opportunity to watch the keiki grow and create forever memories and the ohana that will always be there for them.”