The Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) released the All-League Teams from the 2024 girls volleyball season on Wednesday night.
The two teams were divided into east and west teams. Konawaena middle blocker Kaitea Galletes, selected to the First Team in the west, was named Player of the Year. Galletes recently committed to California State University East Bay to continue her volleyball career, and was a critical piece to the Lady Wildcats’ state playoff appearance and a 15-5 overall record. Her timely blocks at the net and aggressive spiking ability was a crucial anchor to the green and white’s system.
Other Kona players to make the teams were freshman outside Keighlyla Kalhele-Alapai (First Team) and senior middle blocker Baylee Lewis.
Hawaii Preparatory Academy also had several players make the list. The BIIF DII champions had senior middle blocker Elaina Head and senior outside hitter Margot Lewis honored in the First Team, while freshman outside hitter Kaiu Honda and senior outside hitter Mya Pinkert made Second Team. This past season, Ka Makani finished with a 19-2 overall record and a state tournament appearance.
Others to make the list were Honoka‘a senior middle blocker Goddess Gonsalves (First Team), Kohala senior middle blocker Liana Pine-Ramos (First Team), Parker junior middle blocker Takarrah Presley (First Team), Parker senior setter Basil Au (Second Team), Kealakehe freshman setter Ha‘aheo Llantero-Napiha‘a (Second Team), Kohala senior libero Sydnie Marquez (Second Team) and Kohala senior outside hitter Mahealani Pang (Second Team).
Parker’s Sharon Peterson was named Coach of the Year for the west side. Peterson led the Lady Bulls to their best season in years — finishing 18-5 overall and runners-up in the BIIF Division II.
Kamehameha Schools-Hawai‘i, this year’s BIIF DI champion, dominated the eastern All-League Teams, including junior outside hitter Shay Beals winning Player of the Year. Beals was a part of a young Lady Warriors team that surprised many with its dominance — going 19-2 overall and making the state tournament. Her teammates — junior libero Kealohi Dudoit (First Team), senior middle blocker Mia Polloi (First Team) and senior setter Maile Kuamo‘o (Second Team) — were also selected.
Waiakea, Division I’s runner-up in the BIIF, had senior outside hitter Mercedes Murray and junior outside hitter Klaresajane Siva selected to the east’s First Team. Junior setter Natalee Kahauolopua and senior libero Lexi Uchima were named to the Second Team. The Lady Warriors finished 2024 at 13-5 overall.
Others to make the east teams were Kea‘au senior setter Jayda Kaeo (First Team), Ka‘u senior outside hitter Leahi Kaupu (First Team), Kea‘au senior middle blocker Raychekke Ducusin (Second Team), Christian Liberty senior middle blocker Calvary Gomes (Second Team), Hilo senior outside hitter Hi‘ilei Iliwaalani (Second Team) and Hilo junior middle blocker Ka‘ala Masaoka (Second Team).
Ka‘u’s Joshua Ortega won Coach of the Year for the east after leading the Lady Trojans to a third-place finish in BIIF DII with a 10-8 overall record.
Honorable mentions
West
Ehunui Kaimalino: Ku’uleimokihana Okuhara (OH); Pi’ilani Okuhara (S)
HPA: Madie Buczyna (L); Maile Imonen (S); Chloe Wilman (OPP)
Honoka‘a: Jilleane Gonzales (L/DS); Emma White (OH)
Kanu O Ka Aina: Kauhiwai Goto (S)
Kealakehe: Mahie Bailey (MB); Tavianna DePontes (MB); Leila Grace (OH/OPP)
Konawaena: Nevaeh Havens-Seyler (MB); Hali’a Tayamen (S)
Makua Lani: Milena Freire (S); Brye Naihe (OH); Elisha Souza (L)
Parker: Briley Ballard (OH); Jalyssa Castaneda (L); Georgia Goldsmith (MB); Madi Kinkade (OPP); Sophia Scholz (OH)
East
CLA: Lauren Johnson (OH)
Hilo: Desme Pea-Whitney (MB); Maya Robello (OH); Anolani Santos (S); Malu-Lani Tandal (L/OH); Madison Waiki (OH/MB)
KSH: Camryn Grace (OH); Sofia Quiacusan (OPP); Ziona Launiu (DS)
Ka‘u: Alajshae Barrios (OH); Jazmyn Navarro (S); Jezerie Nurial-Dacalio (MB); Kiara Ortega-Oliveria (S)
Ka Umeke: Ka’ena Castro (MB); Aaliya Evans-Barnes (OH/S); Kaiulani Remmers (MB/OH)
Kea‘au: Coco Hunt (OPP); Zoee Kaeo (OH/OPP); Lehia Kane (OH); Levlynn Kepano (L)
Laupahoehoe: Tyshay Nacis (S/OH)
Pahoa: Carly Dossett (MB); Noelani Faris-Padamada (L); Malia Rodrigues (S/OPP); Isabella Tokelau (OH/OPP)
Waiakea: Brieanna Arkangel (OH); Sadie Calma (S/OPP); Kailia Leialoha (MB)