Big Island youth sports teams represent Hawaiʻi in national tournaments this summer

Big Island youth volleyball and softball teams have been representing the island and the state of Hawaiʻi through their skills, teamwork and determination at tournaments on the mainland.

Pilipaʻa Boys Volleyball Team – Elite (16U)

Earlier this month in Orlando, Fla., the Hilo-based volleyball club Pilipaʻa won the 16 Elite division (14 to 16 years old) at the 53rd AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships.

Pilipaʻa dominated the age bracket, losing only four sets. They claimed the national title after sweeping MOD Black of Illinois in two sets, 25-20 and 25-17.

“It was an extremely proud moment for me, and also for these athletes to see their hard work really pay off in a big way,” Pilipa’a Head Coach Mark Osorio said. “The core of this team has been playing together for years, and having a natural synergy as a team is important for volleyball and a huge reason behind the win.”

The Pilipaʻa team is made up of players from Hilo, Pāhoa, Puna and Kaʻū. The roster includes: Cashez Kanui, Makani Anspach, Tristan Canon, Ryden Devaney, Kanoaleʻa Emsley, Mathias Kyota, Kilinahe Navarro, Kaulupono Osorio, Mystiq Rosario and Zyan Subica.

Osorio said East Hawai’i Island and the state was on everyone’s mind.

“I don’t think many people consider the travel it takes to reach the mainland and the disadvantage that places on a Hawaiʻi team, so this win is a win for the entire Hawaiʻi volleyball community,” Osorio said. “As a team, Pilipaʻa wants to reimagine what is possible for island squads and hopefully we can keep showing the continent the caliber of our volleyball players.”

On July 9, Mayor Kimo Alameda presented the team with Certificates of Commendation, which are often given to formally recognize sports teams for their achievements. Registration to try out for Pilipaʻa boys’ youth teams is now open and can be found online.

Tryouts for the 18 and under (18U) and 16 and under (16U) teams will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 16 and 17 at Andrews Gym. Tryouts for the 14 and under (14U) team will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 17 at Andrews Gym and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 18 at the Waiākea Uka Gym.

For more information, contact Osorio at pilipaaboysvbc@gmail.com.

Gold Coast Junior Little League Softball Team – Junior (14U)

The Gold Coast Junior Little League softball team is still on the mainland after competing in the 2026 West Region Junior Girls Softball Tournament in Tucson, Ariz.

The Gold Coast Little League is the only organized youth softball league for the island. The Junior team consists of 13 players ages 12 to 14 who were selected from the league.

“We have players from around the island that drive up to two hours to practice every day, so it is a grind and sacrifice for a lot of families during the season,” Coach Mark Saito said. “When they beat Maui in the state tournament this year, it made it even more satisfying for everyone to have that success.”

During the West Region Junior Girls Softball Tournament, the Gold Coast team lost their first game against the Thornydale Little League team from Tucson. In the consolation bracket, Gold Coast won their first game against Fernley Little League from Las Vegas and lost the second game against Westchester Del Rey Little League in California.

Although the team was eliminated from the tournament on Sunday, they gained necessary experience to better themselves as players by facing other high-level teams from across the western United States.

“All of the girls and us as coaches have a lot of pride when we represent the Big Island and the state of Hawaiʻi,” Saito said. “Playing in a high-level competition is something they don’t always get to see, and it is really something amazing for the girls to experience.”

With players from across the Hāmākua Coast as well as Waimea, Waikōloa, Kohala, and Kona, Saito credits the families involved in the league for the time and effort it takes to make competing possible for the girls on the Gold Coast teams.

“Our teams consist of girls who absolutely love the sport of softball and want to dedicate their time to getting better,” Saito said. “But there are no teams without the family members who make sure to get them to every practice, buy them what they need, and support them along the way.”

Girls who will age out of the Junior team can play in the Seniors division, and as they gain more experience, Saito hopes that both teams will only continue to improve and inspire more opportunities across the Big Island.

“The goal for us at Gold Coast is to grow the sport of softball because there aren’t many opportunities for the kids to play outside of school,” Saito said. “Being in the West Regional tournament was a prize and award in itself because of the work it has taken to accomplish all that we have this year.”

For kids interested in joining Little League softball on the Big Island, visit the Gold Coast Softball Little League website for more information.