Stephanie Chun – Swimming

Upon entering 'Iolani in the seventh grade, I was already apart of the 'Iolani Swim Club, which was like my second home. Through my experiences in the swim club, I have come to find that the best way to describe the One Team philosophy is that your "team" is basically your family. Although not all of the swimmers are from 'Iolani, the club carries out the One Team spirit. So coming into 'Iolani, I already felt like I had a family and that I was apart of something great. Quickly getting into the competitive spirit of the sport, most of my time was devoted to swimming and school. I was fortunate enough to have a "family" to help me through the hardest of times and also to enjoy the greatest of times. This family is the greatest support group a person could ask for. They are my best friends and not to sound cliche or anything, but I would definitely not be the person I am today without them. Some people say that swimming isn't really a team sport. But those some people are those who have not been in a competitive swimming environment before. In this environment, you are faced with the same mental challenges that will affect you in life itself. In this One Team spirited atmosphere, I have been able to overcome these challenges that I would not have been able to do by myself. When I joined 'Iolani, my family only increased as more people found me! I couldn't believe it. I didn't have to find friends, they found me! It made it so much more of an easier transition because their One Team spirit made me feel that it didn't matter that I just entered their family. And as the years have progressed and together we have matured, I look back and can't think of a greater place to have entered. The One Team spirit is not something that you abide by, rather it becomes apart of who you are. It is a quality that invites others into your life with a warm welcome. It is what makes a person humble and realize that they need others to succeed and in return as much as they need others, others need them. It is the key to a true family.

Melissa Lee Cheerleading

One team does not pertain to only sports but every aspect of one’s life, everything he or she does should be done as one team. One team means working as a united front through the good and the bad. Being one team is important because success or happiness cannot come to anyone by working alone the way victory comes to people who work together collectively.

My family is one team. We celebrate together during times of happiness and help each other through times of hardship.

In cheerleading, to do well, each stunt, tumbling pass, cheer, or dance needs to be together and in sync as one. When doing a stunt, each person has to do their individual part. One team is like a stunt or pyramid. It’s not all about the flyer smiling on the top. Without a strong foundation, the bases, the stunt will fail. On the other hand, without a flyer there is no stunt to carry. From the back base, main bases, and flyer, win or lose, it’s done as a team, no one person is more important than another.

Throughout my life I know the one team philosophy will remain with me and remind me of what can be achieved when working as a team.

Taylor Wong Track and Field

There is no division I or division II track…If you take a look around at a track meet, ‘Iolani has some of the smallest guys out there. It would be a cliché and unfair to say that we “make it up in heart,” so I’ll just say this: We may be gunned, but we hold our ground, and we have fun doing it. It’s really something special to see the team to pull together where we don’t have numbers. For example, the hurdling team can always rely on some distance runner, who may never have hurdled before, to run a leg in a hurdle relay. We even have first-year 9th graders pulling together to help form hurdle teams. Even this year’s 4X400 team was composed of two sprinters, an 800 runner, and a hurdler…three of them are xc runners. And you know what, we’re boys’ ILH 480 shuttle hurdle champs this year, and our girls held their ground as well. We all pull together to form a team, no matter how makeshift it may be. We find a way.

“One team” also describes attitude. It begins with the athletes themselves, and it’s really up to the intermediates coming up to understand and live “One Team.” Students and athletes shouldn’t need to be reminded of “One Team,” but rather, it should be more of an understanding. In leading by example, we try to teach the intermediates among other things, to respect the coaches, help rack hurdles, and believe you can. It’s this kind of attitude that really helps keep a positive and healthy attitude that lives on beyond the track. Medals and championships all fade, but if the program was a success, our hurdlers walk away with more compassion, love, and respect for one another.

Rayfe Gaspar-Asaoka Water Polo

What One Team Means To Me

Everyday afterschool I walked past that plaque on the wall with the words “there is a vast difference between confidence and over-confidence” and the name “Father Bray.” I never paid much attention to it, until I noticed a picture of that Ol’ Man and the statue in his honor on the opposing side of that hall. I decided to actually read that plaque about confidence. It was then that I learned about the man who coined the term “One Team”; Father Kenneth A. Bray is a legend who defined the principles and values that Iolani is known for today.
I was unaware of it, but from the moment I began my schooling at Iolani in seventh grade, Father Bray’s values were being instilled on me. Everytime I was lectured about fair play in P.E., or when I was taught discipline and respect from my coaches, the Ol’ Man’s ideals were being pounded into my head. And little by little, I became a student of Father Bray’s principles.

When I stepped onto the Varsity Water Polo Team as a sophomore, I was in awe of the work ethic and discipline that my teammates, especially the seniors, displayed. Thinking back, the determination and effort that my teammates displayed, and the commitment to the team and their fellow teammates is an example of how Father Bray has touched every person here at Iolani. I watched as the upperclassmen would push through a swim set that I deemed impossible, or make a goal that I had never seen, or even imagined before.

Day after day, Father Bray’s principles were shown from every upperclassman, and soon I, too, had learned the ways of that great man. We were taught that no man is as important as the six players in the pool, and that even if you lose; you lose with grace and humility. Looking back on that season, the statistics and final standings of the season was no indication of the true “One Team” spirit that we as Iolani Water Polo players displayed.

Father Bray is and forever will be one of my biggest influences. He taught Iolani and me almost every principle that my school and I are proud of. Through his teachings, I have learned the values of discipline, respect, humility, and hard-work. Those are the true aspects of a champion. It is not that gold trophy or that first-place medal. No. It is everything that Father Bray has taught me, and no matter where I am or what I am doing, his lessons will forever be a part of who I am.

Sean Dudevoir Cross Country

The "One Team" philosophy is not only an essential element of a cohesive athletic team, but it is also a crucial component to the personal development of athletes. Father Bray's belief extends beyond sports and is a model for how we should live our lives. The fundamental concepts of persistence, optimism and discipline are all intertwined in his short, but powerful phrase. As I continue my journey through life the "One Team" philosophy will remain one of my core beliefs and will guide me to success.

Scott Kaneshiro Kayaking

One Team

The One Team concept is ever prevalent in my daily life. During the school day, the proconsuls, I as the SBT and Mr. Uejio, practice the One Team concept. The amount of work that goes into student activities is impossible for any one proconsul to complete individually. With the valuable work from each committee member, can the proconsuls and the student council members complete another amazing year.

In Math Team, each member has equal importance and contributes to the greater team. Although you may have the best mathematician ever known in history or to come in the future, that person only comprises ten percent of the total team score. You need consistently prepared, devoted individuals in order to score high. Senior members help the younger members, and they in turn help the younger members when they are seniors, perpetuating the passing of knowledge, secrets and teamwork.

Once school finishes and I am off to kayaking, I see the One Team spirit beyond actually kayaking. I see it when we set up the tent, extremely difficult to make alone but significantly easier with the help of everyone. I see it when everyone runs up to the shoreline of Ke`ehi Lagoon to cheer and support their fellow teammates in a race. I see it in each member that helps rack and tie down the kayaks onto the trailer while others help gather the paddles. Like little ants, each kayaker works for the greater collective, facilitating the work too burdensome for any one member to undertake alone.

In paddling, the One Team philosophy is ever present. Each paddler performs their own job: the stroker sets the steady stroke; #2 calls the changes and varies the number of strokes between each change depending on the crew’s condition; the power houses really get the boat moving with their amazing strength and endurance; #5 needs to up his/her own stroke all the more in order to add to the power from those in front, and the steersman not only steers the boat but also needs to ensure everyone’s timing and form are perfectly matching. Each has even more specific duties, yet all comprise the different gears, meshing together, perfectly timed, and altogether running the clockwork of the canoe.

The universe, life in general, are too large for any one individual to handle alone. When I graduate and enter into the next stage of my life, I will take the One Team philosophy with me. We should all strive to fulfill Father Bray’s dream and established philosophy in our families at home, at school, and in the world.

The One Team philosophy is so fundamental and so easy to carry out every day if we try. It starts with the simple random acts of kindness one performs each day, looking out for and working together with, congratulating and thanking, apologizing to and forgiving, and most importantly placing the importance of others above that of oneself. I strive to follow that philosophy and exemplify what it really means to be a team player.

Andrew Takahashi – Judo

One Team

Having attended Iolani since the ninth grade I began hearing and seeing the phrase “One Team” only a few years ago. At first I couldn’t understand exactly why these words were so significant to the school. Being a single sport guy it wasn’t until the spring season of my freshmen year that I got involved in Judo. By this point I had come to learn that One Team was the core ideal behind Iolani and its athletics. I found this to also be the driving principle behind the Iolani Judo Team.

In a sport that has been competing in the ILH for less than a decade I see an ideal that has been advocated at Iolani for years. In Judo, only through the hard work, participation, and dedication of all team members can the team win a match or for that matter a championship. Every win on the mat is a win for not just the individual, but for the team who has given their time to helping the individual train. Despite never winning a state championship I can still see the values of One Team in loss. Never is a member of the team booed or ignored after losing a match, but encouraged to practice harder for the next one.

Seeing and hearing the Iolani One Team principle has on numerous occasions encouraged me in both school and athletics. In class and practice, as in life, nothing can be accomplished alone. Thanks to my attendance at Iolani and my participation in judo I have learned the true meanings of One Team. Throughout life I will know that anything of value can only be accomplished through One Team, not a team of one.

Mason Choy Div II Basketball

One Team Culture

From the time I entered Iolani in the seventh grade, I have heard the phrase “One Team” everywhere. At that age I could not comprehend what it meant. However as time passed and as I played on one team after I another, I began to learn what it means to be “One Team”. To me the “One Team” legacy means doing whatever it takes for the betterment of the whole. Throughout every game as an Iolani athlete, never once did I care about the statistics and being the all star. The one and only reason I cared about personal performance was because I was apart of a team. The team always comes first.

Personally the “One Team” legacy is not just limited to team athletics. It has seeped into my everyday life with family and friends. This concept challenges each and every person who dawns an Iolani jersey to be an unselfish individual. It has brought forth the best in me as an athlete and a person. Through its influence I have learned to become a leader and a person worthy of being called a friend. I have taken the “One Team” spirit to heart. I always find myself wanting everyone else to be happy. It does not matter what or how I am feeling at the time. To me, the feelings of others are more important than that of my own. This is how I interpret and perpetuate the “One Team” legacy.

Hedee Kim Paddling

Ever since I was a student in Lower School, Iolani has stressed the importance of working as a team in lieu of individual success, hence, the infamous "One Team!" motto. This ideal separates Iolani from other highly acclaimed private schools because "one team" instill priceless values in us, like compassion and the willingness to help others, which leads to success in a humble form; this success is evident in our athletic program and our school community.

Paddling is the first team sport I participated in (I also do kayaking, golf, and track). Joining a team sport is beneficial because I learned to work with other people and was able to hone my leadership skills as a steersman. Paddlers must be flexible and versatile when asked to be in certain seats in the canoe and must be able to keep precise timing for the crew to succeed as a whole. Therefore, acting as one team is essential. As I continue on life's journey after Iolani, I will take the value of team work with me where ever I go and in whatever I do. Iolani students are fortunate to be nurtured in an environment that stresses family and team over self -- a key value in the foundation of humble students who strive for excellence.

Brennan Nacario Baseball

The One Team concept is more a way of living. I believe people living under the One Team philosophy do not aspire to achieve individual glory, but set before their own goals the betterment of the team. They always give their team the best chance to succeed, whether that might entail practicing after practice or going to bed early the day before an upcoming game. They deeply care about their teammates. This year in baseball, we showed sparks of great chemistry and it was at those times that we played best. We felt comfortable and did not mind at all if we sacrificed ourselves for another. Each and every player understood that if he made a mistake, the whole team was behind him to pick him up. The success of a team playing under the One Team ideal is undeniable. The One Team philosophy is about trust and respect; trust and respect for your teammates, coaches, teachers, friends, and family. Playing under a program that upholds the One Team philosophy and attending a school that instills the One Team concept has truly been a lifetime experience.

Taylor Chock Track and Field

The “One Team” concept encompasses the idea of the group as more important than the individual. When I began attending `Iolani 9th grade, the “One Team” phrase seemed like it was contrived and overused. However, as I began to adjust to school and play sports, I realized that the “One Team” motto was real and not only evident during sports events, but in the classroom as well.

An example of the “One Team” spirit comes from my participation on the track team. Many of us sprinters do not make state qualifying times in our individual events, and for those who do, we usually are not favored to win. According to the state rankings, I was ranked about 30th place in the 400 and 18th place in the 800. However, our 4x400 relay team was ranked 5th in the state. Although very few make it to finals, our relay team always comes in the top 10 in the state meet. My teammate’s and my splits in relays are always faster than our individual times. The attitude of “One Team” explains this phenomenon. Individually, we are not the fastest runners, but by working together on a relay team, we combine forces and have the ability to be much more successful. For me, the baton in my hand is a physical representation of the “One Team” spirit, and it reminds me that I am not only running for myself, but for my team.

The “One Team” spirit is forever ingrained in me as I have truly learned how to work together as a team. I will continue to perpetuate the “One Team” motto as I go to college and beyond.

Darcy Shindo Bowling

While participating in two individual/team sports at 'Iolani, bowling and track and field, the "One Team" philosophy didn't always seem eminent. Little did I know that it's magic was working backstage, behind the big show. Although both sports compete in team events, the focus was mostly on each individual's performance. As the co-captain of the Varsity bowling team in my junior year and captain in my senior year, I found it frustrating to see my teammates take practice and matches so lightly. Some would skip practice because they didn't think it would improve their playing time. However our goal was always to go to the State Tournament as a team. We were often in contention for first. Our team beat the top-seeded ILH team, the HBA Eagles, three games out of six. We were one out of only two teams that gave the Eagles their only losses.

As a year-round bowler, I worked hard through many extra practices and tournaments in order to improve my game. Yet some bowlers didn't practice in the off-season and expected to make the Varsity team and bowl well at every match. This upset me. Because these bowlers were more focused on their individual score instead of the team's, there was no bonding within the eight bowlers. One day after a disappointing match, I organized a team meeting. My co-captain and I asked the team if our goals were still the same. Yes reverberated throughout the room. We explained that if we wanted to go to states as a team, the importance of team must overshadow the glory of an individual. After this meeting, our team rallied back to finish second in the ILH, taking our team to the State Tournament. Success.

Alison Ross – Sailing

Ever since I joined the Iolani sailing team in 9th grade, the One Team philosophy has been a big part of my life. I’ve learned that a few simple words of encouragement can go a long way. I’ve learned that the rewards for the team’s success are much grader than those for my individual success. But sailing has also taught me that the One Team philosophy goes further than Iolani. After racing, everyone sails to the dock, pulls their boat out of the water, takes the sails down, and puts it away. I remember Dr. Webb telling us on my first day of sailing that no one left until all of the boats were put away. At first, I groaned at the thought of having to help my competitors with their dirty work but I soon realized how important it was for everyone, including those from other schools, to work together. Not only was the work done faster, but I made friends with people that I wouldn’t have even spoken with otherwise.

The One Team spirit is what I love most about Iolani. It has taught me so much about the importance of teamwork. I hope to incorporate the One Team spirit in all that I do at Iolani and elsewhere.

David Fink – Golf

One team is more than just playing as a team, it is caring for your teammates like they are your brothers. For me, this helped our team pull together in states as we stuck together and never got mad at each other. This helped us to come through and place third in the State Championships where there were about 12 teams whom all had more players than we did. This showed that our team stuck together and didn't care what everyone else was doing, we cared about each other. After the round we all came together to talk about our game on that day and laughed together to make those who weren't as happy feel better. One team will stay with me forever as every aspect of life has a team effort, as you could always use a helpful hand.

Bricen McCartney  Basketball DI

The One Team tradition is a large part of Iolani School’s athletic program and has become a large part of my life. All of my coaches at Iolani have taught these principles to me over the past six years. I first learned what One Team was all about playing basketball in the eighth grade. We were doing a conditioning drill at the end of practice where the team was split in half. The ball was to be thrown off the backboard while jumping in the air. After doing that on one basket you would have to run to the other basket and do the same for a few minutes at a time. If the ball hit the ground, another minute would be added to the drill.

Trevor Yoshioka, a ninth grader at the time, gave himself up for the team. We had been doing the drill for three minutes and we had one minute to go before we ended practice. Everyone was exhausted and no one wanted to run for another minute. Running behind Trevor, I could see that the person in front of him was having a hard time making it down the floor. In an attempt to save the team from running an extra minute, Trevor ran in front of our teammate and took his spot in order to keep the ball from hitting the ground. He sacrificed his body for the good of the entire team. That act was the epitome of the One Team for me. His action included respect, care, passion, and selflessness for the benefit of the team. I have learned that when one triumphs and falls, the whole team goes with them. Iolani has taught me how to work together with others and many values that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Kylie Ahlo Basketball DI

When I first arrived at Iolani in the seventh grade, I had no clue what the One Team philosophy meant. As the years went by I started to learn exactly what it was. Before I came to Iolani I was a little bit selfish. When we would win a game, I would still be mad if I played junk. I didn't care what the team accomplished; I cared about what I accomplished. That attitude ended when I started playing sports at Iolani. The girls basketball team this year is the best example of the one team concept. We were the strongest team I have ever played with. I was willing to do anything for them and they were willing to do anything for me. I was playing for them and not for myself. Whatever my role was on the team I accepted it. I didn't want to fail my team. I will take the one team philosophy where ever I go and it will always be with me.

Brysson Morita – Wrestling

The One Team concept has deeply affected not only my wrestling career, but also my whole life in general. This concept is an instrumental part of my success on and off the mat. This past wrestling season, I fully understood the meaning of One Team. After breaking my hand in a preseason tournament, I was devastated when the doctor told me that I would not be able to wrestle for almost the entire regular season. As the days progressed I was constantly encouraged by my coaches and teammates. This encouragement helped me to overcome many hardships and roadblocks. Without my team, I would be nowhere as successful as I am now. Although wrestling is often labeled as an individual sport, it is comforting to know that I have the support of the entire team behind me; therefore I strive to wrestle my heart out for my team because they are counting on me. As I head off to college, I'll always remember to put my team first because they will always be there to support me when I am in need.

Keiko Akamine Wrestling

The One Team philosophy has been the foundation of my athletic experience at ‘Iolani. I feel that this concept has been particularly important to me, because people generally assume that wrestling is an individual sport. Though during a match you are out there alone, it is your team that got you out there in the first place. They were there every day at practice to prepare you for that moment, and they will be there the second you step off the mat to celebrate with you in victory or to comfort you in defeat.

Wrestling is unique because both the boys and girls teams train together. In the practice room, there is no separation or distinction by gender because we all belong to the same team. The One Team philosophy turned our team into more of a family. If someone was lagging behind during conditioning, their teammates, boys and girls, would run back and make sure they were able to finish. My coaches have taught me that whatever we start together, we will finish together as One Team.

They have also taught me that champions do not become champions alone. It takes the dedication and determination of an entire team, from the varsity starters to the JV backups, to create championship teams. I know that I would not have come this far if it weren’t for my teammates, my brothers and sisters, who are there with me every day pushing me to drill harder and run faster. It is impossible to accomplish anything alone, but as One Team, anything is possible.

Zachary Shikada Football

'Iolani School, the top ranked academic school in Hawaii and my alma mater, will always have a impact upon who I am. I may have only spent six years here, which, in the whole spectrum of things, is quite small, but it has done this in a very powerful way. I could have learned academics at almost any other school, albeit with a considerable difference in challenge and rigor of curriculum, but I could have had an academic experience at another school. However, one thing that is quite endemic to 'Iolani school is its athletic program. Its spirit of "One Team" is more than just a cliche, more than simply a phrase that we shout. It is a standard to live by, a phrase that we believe whole-heartedly in. As a Varsity Football Team Captain, I believe that I have learned the underlying attributes of these two words to the fullest extent that I possibly can; hopefully, it is expressed through not just what I say, but also by what I do.

Having been in the football program for six years, there are five lessons that I have learned, five lessons that I have found that truly express and define the "One Team Spirit".

1. Accountability: Each member of the team has a certain responsibility. It takes each member of the team to do his or her part in order for the team to function together, as a whole, as a single unit. If each member of the team does not do his part, the team falters and is hurt. A single block, a missed tackle, a wrong route can all damage a team. However, in the same way can not sprinting past the line during conditioning, cutting workouts, or not giving 100% during practice prove detrimental to the team. Out of respect for every other player on my team, I am held accountable for my actions; it would prove disrespectful to my teammates to cut corners and slack.

2. Courage: It is known that 'Iolani teams never sport the largest team, whether in size or number. Therefore, our success is truly remarkable. I believe that it comes down to courage. Sure, I do not relish the fact that these titans have a 100 lb. advantage to their name, but I know that I have a duty to do to my teammates. From the knowledge that what I do may help out my brother in uniform, my sense of camaraderie that is shared by every one of my teammates mandates that I take on my opponent, no matter his size, strength, or speed.

3. Respect: One of the first things that I learned as a player of the game, respect is one of the biggest. I have always played with athletes much better than I have; however, I respect those the most that epitomized best the One Team spirit. Those players that treated the rookies with contempt, always forcing them to take the water and equipment in, subjecting them to name-calling and jokes; those players I found little desire to follow and respect. However, those players, such as Jon Takamura ('06), Kiran Kepo'o ('06), Landon Patoc ('06) and Cameron Petro-Sakuma ('06), treated us first years players with respect made me really feel a part of the team. Respect bolstered the One Team synergy and is a crucial part of the One Team feeling.

4. Humility: It is not necessary to make the headlines in order to perform a vital function to the team success. The offensive linemen never get their names in the paper; however, they do their job, one that is most important to the offensive unit. Longsnappers are another example of the least mentioned players in uniform, however, without them, it would be difficult to punt or score that vital PAT's; having played in many close games, I know the value of every point garnered. Fanfare can divide a team; those that receive all the accolades can damage a team through jealousy and hurt pride. Special attention and overconfidence can divide a team; a divided team absolutely cannot function.

5. Heart: This is the root of all 'Iolani athletics. Without it, we could not succeed in the way that we always somehow find a way to do. It is with heart that we pull out our last bit of energy to finish grueling conditioning. It is with heart that we give our all to finish the play, to make the sack, to dive into the endzone. It is with heart that we can drive ourselves to play over pain, to finish the series over an injury. It is with heart (and faith!) that our Davids overcome the Goliaths of the other schools. When the going gets tough, we must get going. It is in that way, with the heart to get going, that we prove to be tough. Hopefully, I have been able to, in some measure, exemplify these qualities in my role on my team. I know that as a graduate of 'Iolani that I can take these things with me. It is for this reason that I am grateful for 'Iolani athletics. It has shaped my character in more ways than I could ever ask for. It has been a large part of who I am today. For the One Team Spirit, I am very thankful.