After a dominant regular season defined by a strong defense and great chemistry, the Kalani Boys Varsity Soccer team claimed the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) East Division title with a nerve-wracking 1-0 victory over east rival Kaiser on Thursday, Jan. 8. Finishing with an impressive 7-1-2 record, the Falcons have successfully washed away last year’s early exit, proving they are no longer just divisional contenders, but the team to beat heading into the postseason.
The Falcons’ success is rooted in a culture of discipline and selfless play, according to captain Arawi de la Cuba (12). While the team has spent the season “destroying” opponents and leaving them in the dust, the players credit their strong finish to a bond that goes beyond the pitch.
“Once you have good teamwork, you trust each other, and that’s when you start playing a lot better,” de la Cuba (12) says.
That trust has directly benefited Aito Sameshima (11), the team’s leading scorer, who earned eight goals during the regular season. Despite his individual stats, Sameshima remains focused on the team.
“To be top scorer on my team feels good, but at the same time I don’t want to be too selfish and just think about scoring by myself,” Sameshima says.
This team-first mindset is impressive given the program’s recent transitions. Last year, the arrival of new coaches Jaymes Barlos and Shane Graf brought a shift in expectations and rules that required a lot of adjustment. Building the new program met with some obstacles, from player conflicts to unexpected injuries.
“When there’s a new leadership, there are a lot of obstacles to face because new leadership means new expectations and rules, and it’s a matter of building that program,” Athletic Director Janeen Waialae says.
However, the Falcons have clearly hit their stride at the right time. For the eight seniors on the roster, this postseason represents their final opportunity to cement a legacy and mentor the underclassmen.
“I feel like we should leave a good tradition for the JV,” De La Cuba says. “A good winning mentality and set them up for success the best way we can.”
Because they clinched the top seed in the East, Kalani has earned a first-round bye, giving them two weeks to get ready for their first game in the OIA playoffs. The stakes are higher than ever; last year the team failed to qualify for the Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Championships, a disappointment they are determined to overcome this year.
“My goal with the team is to just stay focused for OIAs and States as well,” Sameshima says. “We wanna send the seniors off with a good memory and possibly win States.”
As they prepare for the fierce competition of Division I playoff soccer, the Falcons carry both the weight of expectation and the full support of their school.
“I am proud of all the hard work they have put in their season, and I hope they believe in themselves as much as I believe in them,” AD Waialae states.
