Members of Maui’s Aloha Volleyball Association pose with their medals after winning the 14-and-under boys division at the Aloha Summer Classic at the Hawaii Convention Center. The championship earned the team a berth to the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Fla., this July. Photo courtesy of Aloha Volleyball Club

After three consecutive days of competition at the Hawaii Convention Center, Maui’s Aloha Volleyball Association won the 14-and-under boys title at the Aloha Summer Classic, repeating as champions and securing a berth to the USA Volleyball Nationals in Orlando this July.

Coached by Hanalei Alapai, Aloha Volleyball Association continued its strong run with another gold-medal finish. Alapai said he is proud of the team’s hard work and dedication in reaching this level of competition.

“It’s more of a testament to the talent we have on Maui and the potential of student-athletes on our small island,” said Alapai.

As the season progressed, the team grew more confident in its individual and collective strengths, while continuing to identify areas for improvement.

The team also added two players this season — Solomon McKim of Kihei Charter School and Ryker Calapini of Kamehameha Schools Maui. Their additions strengthened the team’s front-row defense and provided another option at setter.

In the tournament, the Aloha Volleyball Association played four games and won all eight of their sets on Day 1. The team played four more games, winning eight sets and only losing one, on Day 2. In three games on Day 3, the team won six sets and only lost one. Overall, the Aloha Volley Association finished the tournament with an 11-0 record, including 22 set wins and two set losses.

“It was not an easy feat for our team, but each day before we stepped foot in the convention center, we had to reset and refocus knowing that each day would offer a different challenge with different opponents,” said Alapai. “I believe this tournament had our team play more games than in our previous two tournaments this season such as the Kāne Cup in November and the TransPacific Championships in January.”

Competing with grit, the coach said his players came together during moments when momentum was not on their side, and that contributed to key victories throughout the Aloha Summer Classic.

“Sometimes, there were players who made amazing plays and teams that did extraordinary things, but our team was collectively focused on the next point,” said Alapai.

As a back-to-back championship team, the Aloha Volleyball Association has tried to focus on what it can control.

“There are moments in volleyball where you want to avoid focusing on things that you cannot control,” said Alapai. “It is important to not let those reasons dictate the way you play or perform. You focus on what you can control on your side of the net.”

The Aloha Volleyball Association competes during the Aloha Summer Classic at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. Courtesy photo

Having developed strong bonds on and off the court, the team has benefited from the chemistry built through competing and training together.

With most of the players also participating in beach volleyball, the time spent together on the sand has helped foster a mutual understanding and appreciation for one another, the game and the growth that comes through the challenges of a season.

“It’s an amazing honor to win back-to-back gold medals. I’m proud of my teammates and thankful for everyone who supported us,” said Ethan Tillotson, one of the players on the team. “We worked hard for this, and it’s rewarding to see that effort pay off.”

Players on the team include Auden Fuetsch, Ivan Jeoung, Cody Kea, La’akeaokalani Padilla, Solomon McKim, Hudson Schultz, Ryker Calamine, Bryce Cunningham, Wyatt Gonzales, Declan Brown and Tillotson. Coach Alapai said each athlete played a valuable role en route to winning the championship.

“Cody and Ethan were especially important in scoring and turning over points for us. Their presence in the front row gives the team a very strong chance of siding out or gaining momentum, as they are great offensively,” said Alapai. “From our defensive specialists — Hudson, La’a, Ryker — to our middle blockers — Declan and Auden — to our pin hitters — Solomon and Bryce — a key to our success was having two outside hitters capable of passing, defending and closing out points. We see that in Cody, and especially in Wyatt. His growth and development as a dependable six-rotation player gives players like Cody and Ethan the pass or the set in order to score amazing numbers to help the team to the win.”

After punching a ticket to compete at the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in July, the team is eager to represent their island home and Hawaii.

“Hawaii volleyball is known for gritty defense and players with a deep understanding of court awareness and a high volleyball IQ,” said Alapai. “I know the team is looking forward to meeting teams with strong offensive players and quick offensive systems with strong serving and passing.”

Coach Alapai emphasized that in the months leading up to the tournament, the Aloha Volleyball Association has received strong support and encouragement from family, friends and community members on Maui.

Aloha Volleyball Association outside hitter Wyatt Gonzales spikes the ball during a semifinal match at the Aloha Summer Classic at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. Marc Agcaoili/@leavinggmarcs