Hawaiian Football’s U23 Squad Draws with UH Hilo Men

Jun 24

WAILUKU, MAUI — Hawaiian Football’s U23 Men’s Talent Center Selection kicked off a “first of its kind” match against the University of Hawai‘i Hilo Men’s Soccer Team last month at Vulcan Soccer Field. Maikalani Warner struck a well-placed shot from just beyond the top of the penalty area, beating Hilo goalkeeper Adam Frank. The match, which ended in a 1–1 draw, marked the conclusion of UH Hilo’s 2024–25 spring season.

Commenting on UH Hilo, Hawaiian Football President Vernon Kapua‘ala credited Men’s Head Coach Diego Marroquin for being a “valued supporter and friend of Hawaiian Football since taking the helm for the university.” For Hawaiian Football, the exhibition was an essential step in a broader journey of preparation for national and international representation in future tournaments. “Opportunities like this are exactly why we actively maintain a pool of more than 300 players,” Kapua‘ala explained. He hopes other local colleges will consider adding Hawaiian Football to their spring schedules in the near future.

The U23 Selection featured a dynamic mix of athletes drawn from Hawaiian Football’s national team pool, including Hawaiians currently competing across both collegiate and high school levels throughout the Islands. The exhibition match represented a meaningful step in using sport to unite communities. With local athletes on both sides of the pitch and ‘ohana in the stands, the event became a powerful expression of Hawaiian culture, identity, and the development of Hawaiian football in Hawai‘i.

23 NĀ KĀNE TALENT CENTER ROSTER

First Row: Maikalani Warner—Baldwin High School, Caleb Yap-Texeira—Chaminade University, Kanilauilanamalie Tolentino-Perry—University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Kawainui Anderson—Chaminade University, Channing Oda—Hilo High School, Riley Blake—KS Kapālama.

Second Row: Ian Mork—Head Coach / Technical Director, Justin Drew—Kohala High School, Royal Kekuewa—Hawai‘i Pacific University, Kayden Medeiros (K)—Chaminade University, Tyson Norr—Hawai‘i Pacific University, Kala‘iakea Duncan (K)—Chaminade University, Edward Hudcovic—Chaminade University, Masen Heu—Chaminade University, Jacob Aiona—Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i, Trent Paleka—St. Louis School.