For the first time, every Division I softball coach in the Maui Interscholastic League is led by a female coach, all of whom played within the league growing up, creating a true full circle and unique moment in Maui Softball history.

Madison Maddela coaches for Kamehameha Schools Maui, Lithe Pokipala-Waiohu for Lahainaluna, Sanoe Kekahuna for H.P. Baldwin, Kylie Asher for King Kekaulike and Lei Nakamura for Maui High.

Maui is a close-knit community, and for Kamehameha Maui’s coach Maddela, that sense of connection is evident in the familiar faces she now shares the coaching field with. Reflecting on her time growing up, she recalls the strong bonds formed on the diamond.

“Coach Lei was my club coach at Hawaiʻi Pearls Maui when I was a junior and senior, and prior to that, I trained with her in middle school as well,” Maddela said. “Coach Sanoe was my assistant coach at Kamehameha Maui my senior year. Coach Lithe was my teammate at Hawaiʻi Pearls Maui, and Coach Kylie and I both trained with Coach Miles Sakamura.”

Reflecting on her roots in the local softball community, she credits much of her coaching style to the values instilled by tradition, mentorship and a deep sense of gratitude. It’s a sentiment shared among her fellow coaches.

“I have so much respect for the coaches that I coach with and against,” Maddela said. “They were great players and are each very knowledgeable about the game. They have taught me so much and are excellent role models for their student-athletes.”

In Hawaiian history, many of the greatest leaders were women, a legacy that continues to inspire today.

As a group of women-led coaches, they stand in a position of leadership, responsibility and representation — not only for themselves and their teams but also for their community and the rich history that has shaped them. With humble pride in guiding the next generation of softball athletes, this group of coaches understand that there is no gift quite like the present moment to make an impact.

“Our aliʻi wāhine (leading women) guided their communities and advocated for the well-being of our lāhui. They demonstrated stewardship as well as service. Seeing strong women in leadership roles today helps our young women develop confidence and ambition. These coaches are relatable role models for our student-athletes showing that success is attainable for those who work hard and stay committed to their goals. We work to foster similar values while encouraging our student-athletes to aspire to leadership roles themselves.” Said Maddela.

Coach Pokipala-Waiohu cherishes the memories of playing with and against Nakamura, who has been a mentor since Pokipala-Waiohu was 13. Lithe credited Lei’s influence for playing a key role in shaping her coaching style today.

“I played against Kylie Asher and Madison Maddela, but also played with Madi on our summer ball travel team (Maui Pearls; coached by Lei Nakamura),” Pokipala-Waiohu said. “Kylie and Madi were both amazing athletes, leaders and were a big asset to their teams. I’ll always cherish being an athlete and being able to play with or against these ladies.”

Seeing each other on the field now with different teams as rivals has a competitive, fun and unique edge for these women. Although it may be a toss up for who is the most competitive with their teams, coach Pokipala-Waiohu said she is excited with every opportunity that she and her team gets to face on the diamond.

“To me it’s exciting to see Kylie and Madi, the athletes that I once knew come back as coaches, and live out their love for the game,” Pokipala-Waiohu said. “I think we all have a very competitive nature and now as coaches we strive to instill that in our teams today. At the end of the day, I’m happy for all of us.”

Nakamura enters the era of nostalgia with her fellow colleagues by coaching Kylie Asher, Lithe Pokipala-Waiohu, as well as her times at Kamehameha and H.P Baldwin high schools.

When it comes to nurturing intuitions and mentoring the next generation of softball athletes, Coach Pokipala-Waiohu highlights the love she has for her children who have shaped her while leading the sport of softball around the island of Maui.

“For me, it’s not my playing experience; it’s my coaching experiences,” Nakamura said. “I was a stay-at-home mom for all of my five children, that has molded me throughout my 25 years of being a part of softball.” Said Pokipala-Waiohu.

A special appreciation goes out to Ryan Souza, former softball coach at Baldwin, who is the reason behind Coach Lei’s passion for driving change and opening up her heart to be a mentor in the first place.

“It was coach Ryan that opened up my heart and vision with a passion to become a teacher not just a coach, from a whole different perspective. He definitely was the one that started this all for me.” Said Lei Nakamura.

For Coach Kylie Asher, sports foster adaptability. With experience as both a player and a coach, she recognizes the importance of adjusting to change. In coaching, adaptability continues to shape growth, playing a vital role in navigating both success and failure.

“As a player, your impact is direct and physical and you control your own actions on the field,” Asher said. “As a coach, your impact is indirect. You guide others to perform, which requires patience and knowing how to influence without direct participation. It takes a lot of practice to go from doing to guiding — finding the right words, and the right moments.”

Competing against a group that grew up together has been both fun and deeply rewarding. Coach Asher reflects on how facing off against longtime friends has elevated her coaching, pushing her to grow while staying grounded in gratitude.

“It’s really cool to go from playing against Madi and Lithe growing up to now coaching,” coach Asher said. “Lithe and I went to rival schools at the time, Lahainaluna and Baldwin. I remember always competing for the MIL title. Lahainaluna softball has always had that fight and fire in them. Coaching is not easy by any means, however, there have been many times these women have encouraged me to stay the course and trust the process. It is awesome to know there is always support there.”

Driven by a shared commitment to give back, this group of female coaches in the Maui Interscholastic League is making sure the next generation of softball players steps up to the plate ready to shine.