The Nānākuli High School Girls Volleyball team’s 2024 season concluded after a hard-fought journey. Every set and match reflected their unwavering grit as they battled through challenges with determination. They showed much strength in the face of adversity. This season wasn’t defined by luck or miracles but by the countless hours of practice, dedication, and teamwork that carried them further into playoffs.

Head Coach Junuis Wong said, “Overall, in terms of our goals and expectations, we were a bit short on some of them. But I am proud of the way our girls fought until the end.”

Senior player Marley-Alzie Matautia said, “I feel like this season went way better than last season. We actually made it farther than the first round of playoffs, so that was a good thing. Plus we had a different group of girls this year, too. So that was also a good thing.”

The Hawks began conditioning in the summer, sacrificing their break to train and prepare for the season. They endured hours of intense physical training, continuously pushing themselves to improve.

The team competed in multiple preseason tournaments, including the McKinley Black and Gold Preseason Tournament and the Bird Classic Tournament. They won the McKinley Black and Gold Tournament, taking 19 consecutive sets, culminating in a 25-22 victory against a tough Maryknoll team. However, they fell just short of first place in the Bird Classic Tournament, losing to a very challenging Moanalua team.

Preseason helped the Hawks improve and learn from their mistakes. It also gave them the opportunity to bond and grow closer as a team.

When asked about the most memorable part of the season, senior player Jaynalynn Faulalo-McShane said, “I feel like it was during preseason because we won a lot of games, and that’s when we really got to know each other, both on and off the court. We all became pretty good friends.”

Their outstanding preseason performance set the tone for a powerful start to the regular season, where they dominated both Waialua and Waipahu, securing victories in 3 sets straight.

The long-standing rivalry between Nānākuli and Waianae is one that every person from the westside knows well. The Nānākuli Lady Hawks would face off against the Waianae Seariders in The Battle of the West.

Under the pressure of that high-stakes night, the Lady Hawks rose to the top, defending their home turf with an assertive three-set sweep. Reflecting on the victory, Head Coach Junius Wong said, “Beating our rival Waianae was a particularly great highlight for our team.”

The triumph not only marked another win in their season but also cemented Nānākuli’s dominance in this heated rivalry, filling the valley with pride.

Throughout the season, the Hawks soared to an impressive 7-3 record, securing their spot in the first round of the playoffs. In a thrilling showdown against Roosevelt, they emerged victorious in yet another three-set victory.

The Hawks advanced to face the Campbell Sabers in the consolation bracket, where they pulled off an exhilarating 5-set victory. This hard-fought win marked a high point for the team, with Head Coach Junius Wong said, “Taking down Campbell in the consolation bracket in 5 sets was a great highlight for our squad.”

Fueled by this momentum and a fierce determination to succeed, the Hawks then challenged the Moanalua Menehunes. The teams competed in an intense showdown, but ultimately, Moanalua came out victorious.

The Hawks’ playoff journey came to an end after another hard-fought 5-set match against the Mililani Trojans. Despite the outcome, the team showed a very promising season.

Some of the departing seniors shared their advice for the underclassmen following in their footsteps.

Senior Marley Matautia said, “Just keep grinding, no matter what, even if the coaches are giving you a hard time. Keep grinding.”

Jaynalynn Faulalo-McShane added, “Have a great mindset while playing,” reminding future players to stay positive.

As for what’s in store next season, things are looking up for the Lady Hawks.

Head Coach Junius Wong shared his optimism, “We have a lot of promising 9th graders who competed well through the season. Many of our returnees also showed great development. Summer workouts will be crucial to our success, but my staff and I are up for the challenge.”

The Lady Hawks are determined to build on this season’s progress and aim even higher next year.

Finally, the players and coaches extend their heartfelt mahalo to everyone who supported them this season.