Joshua Lee, Boys Judo –

Being a son of Iolani, I have heard the words "Iolani one team" many times, but i never really was able to understand until I joined football in 7th grade. Coach Suzuki did a great job in instilling the one team spirit in us. Everything we did we did as a team; whether it was suffering through conditioning or punishment for coming late to practices, we all encouraged and helped each other through each day of practice.

Prior to this, I participated in AYSO soccer and my experience there was totally different. In my soccer experience, many of the teams that I was on had maybe one or two really good players and a lot of average/poor players. Naturally, much of the focus was on those one or two players and not the rest of the team. Also, there were kids that never showed up to practices or games and kids that were just not sportsman-like. Overall, I never really felt connected to my teammates or team as much as when I played sports for Iolani.

Iolani's one team philosophy affected my outlook at sports. When working out for football or for judo I don't see it as just improving myself, by improving myself I am helping my team. In a team we celebrate together and we also endure punishment together. If one person screws up we don't single him/her out but we accept our punishment as a team. I also now realize that the team is only as good as its slower players and so it is the responsibility for everyone on the team to help those slower players.

The one team philosophy has profoundly affected my outlook on sports and I hope to bring what I have learned at Iolani in sports programs elsewhere.

Bryce Kato, Football –

The One Team Concept is something that have heard about since I was very little. My father and his friends all attended Iolani and played under Mr. Hamada. I remember listening to them talk about the lessons they learned from him. The lessons I learned from them have stayed with me to this day. When I first came out for football my sophomore year, I was a small little kid, who came out to prove to myself that I was tough enough. Its one thing to cheer and comment about the players and its another to actual play the sport and take the pressures that come with it. After my first season, I came out with many cuts and bruises, but thanks to Coach Look, I came out with even more life lessons that he had learned from Mr. Hamada. After each season, I always thought about quitting. There was no shame in quitting after the season. I made it though the season. I toughed it out. However, there was one voice in my head that kept me from quitting. The voice said, "The Team needs you." It was true. With only fifty players and less than a handful of linebackers, it was my duty to the team to stick with it. I knew that I may not start, but that's not what's really important. The team needs the bodies. People will get hurt. People do quit. When things happen, I needed to be there to step in. I knew I would not start, but that did not stop me from going all out during practice. I went hard every minute. I remember hearing O-linemen complain when they saw me lining up in front of them towards the end of practice. When everyone is tired and goes less hard, I am still going hard and very linemen would complain. I enjoyed hearing that because it was a sign that I was doing my part. The One Team Concept did not only help in football, but in wrestling as well. My friend who was the same weight as me told me he would go to the 145 weight class and I could go to the 152 weight class. For most of the preseason he told me this. A week before a big preseason tournament, my friend comes to me and tells me he is not going to be able to cut down to 145. At that moment, I was about 165 lbs. Going from 165 to 152 would be easy, but 165 to 145 is really unheard of, especially in such a short period of time. However, take it for the team, I lost the weight. I ran before and after morning practices, cut down my carb intake, ran in the afternoon and at night. You hear on tv about people losing twenty pounds in 8 weeks. I always laugh and say, "So what? I lost twenty in ONE!" That's my commitment to the team. The One Team spirit has taught me how to be there for my teammates and how to always push my teammates to their limits, even if that means a lot of pain and sacrifice on my behalf. That's the One Team Concept and I am proud to have been able to put it to work.

Brett Johnson, Boys Swimming and Boys Water Polo, Division I –

The One Team philosophy is really the mind set that any good athlete should have; I don’t want to sound like I think that I’m a good athlete, but I think that when you participate in a sport, it’s not about you, its about the team. The philosophy affected me during water polo games when I choose to pass instead of shoot, or I took the foul and set-up someone else for a goal. In swimming I was more affected when my Coach basically asked me to do worse in an individual event and attempt to score more points by swimming a relay. I don’t want glory, I just want to do my sport and have fun. I honestly didn’t even know what an Eddie Hamada award was until I got called into the Athletic office, only then did I realize what I was about to receive. And I was happy then the secretary told me that I had gotten two and I was stunned.

Overall, I have to say that the ONE TEAM philosophy is a great thing to keep at Iolani. It helped me suck-it-up and do what was best for the team, and it helped motivate me to try my best for my teammates.

Miyoko Pettit, Girls Volleyball –

When I first became a part of the Iolani Volleyball family in 6th grade, a teammate told me the story of how Mrs. Kang preached the One Team philosophy. If one girl got a cookie, then she would not be allowed to eat it unless the entire team got cookies too. Since that moment, the One Team spirit just became a part of my nature. Through all of the practices and games, I have learned that as One Team the strongest player is only as great as the weakest one. After an injury, I realized that it was especially important for me to contribute in any way possible, whether it was cheering from the bench, handling sweaty jerseys after a tough game or simply giving a teammate a high-five. I have realized that I would rather see another teammate play in position if it will help the team reach its goals instead of playing it myself. Success and happy memories are only possible through the practice of the One Team spirit. I am very proud to be part of the Iolani One Team.

Rylan Morihara, Boys Basketball Division II

Personally, the one team concept has been huge in the way and style of how I played during the games and practices. I think that because I have thought about the concept of the team being more important than the player, that I was willing to sacrifice my personal statistics and fame for the betterment of the team succeeding. I have been affected in the way that I would do anything to help the team win, instead of trying to do things to attract attention to myself. The one team concept to me, was beneficial to my maturing as a leader.

Brennan Nacario, Boys Kayaking -

The One Team concept has affected me significantly. I arrived at ‘Iolani in the seventh grade with an idea of teamwork, having played many years of baseball and soccer. However, my views changed when I was introduced to the One Team philosophy. I believe that teamwork is one of the most powerful assets to a true team. By bonding into one team, we can do anything. Thinking in terms of One Team makes me see how easily tasks can be done when we work together. In kayaking, we always have to put the boats away after practice. The more people that help, the faster it goes by. I always try to do as much as possible in order to achieve that goal of putting away everything faster. In baseball, when we play together and feel comfortable as a one team, we never lose. I realize that teamwork is powerful. Playing under the influence of the One Team philosophy has made me see how important it is to bond to my teammates and as a result, I try as much as possible to embody the One Team spirit.

Case Miyahira, Baseball -

The one team concept at Iolani has taught me that no one can succeed as an individual. No matter how hard anyone tries, they will not be able to beat a team that is strongly tied together. This year in baseball, no one expected us to be in the midst of things, but our team chemistry was stronger than any other team's. That is what made us so successful. As compared to other schools, our team had no true "studs" and we were forced to rely on every teammate. After experiencing this, I have never thought about myself before the team.

Berton Wong, Boys Basketball Division I – Iolani "one team" has been instilled in me ever since I was a youth in lower school. Throughout my years both on the court and off, I have learned so much about this powerful concept. As I played varsity division I basketball for the past two years, I have realized how much it takes to compete and be a successful team at such high of a level. From playing intermediate with Coach Nishiyama to playing with Coach Doc, I have learned to respect sayings such as "know your role" and "take one for the team." Being a part of something that includes everyone that you work with or play with makes triumphs feel even greater, and losses easier to bear. Although at first I wasn't aware of the strength that a team carries as a opposed to the individual, I have seen how wonderful a team can be. Iolani's "one team" concept will always be a positive source of energy for students and student-athletes for years to come. It has always intrigued me at how much can be accomplished if everyone understands and works with each other.

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Tyler Hee, Boys Track and Field – Entering Iolani in the seventh grade, the one thing that I kept on hearing about was the mantra “One Team”. Little did I know how important this concept actually would be throughout my career at Iolani. It started in the classrooms where the One Team concept influenced me to always do what I could to contribute to the class. Whether it was in discussions or helping out a classmate to understand an idea or lesson better, the One Team concept was an integral part of class life. The One Team concept also played an important role on the sports field. Either in basketball or during track season One Team was always in the back of my mind. It made me push harder during practices to improve myself to help improve the team, and made me give everything during games to represent Iolani well. Basically One Team was what influenced me to give nothing but the best at all times. Yet, this attitude will not stop once I graduate from Iolani, but I’m sure I will carry it with me in everything I do in the future.

Miho Shimizu, Cheerleading –

The ONE TEAM concept is the most important aspect to success when it comes to a lot of things. Whether it's working with classmates or teammates, the one team concept allows everyone to accomplish their goal together instead of trying to do something individually. It has affected me quite a lot because I was able to grasp this one team concept during my four years of cheerleading. Nothing in this sport can be done alone, and I learned that we are only strong as the weakest person. Every stunt, cheer, and routine cannot be done alone, but can only work if every member of the squad works together as one.

Lindsey Tufono, Girls Wrestling –

ONE TEAM is putting oneself above others when it comes to achieving goals,
ONE TEAM is encouraging, helping, and uplifting those around you so that they get better.
ONE TEAM is knowing that in order to win, one cannot train alone.
ONE TEAM is coming together, and working your butt off to kick the other team’s.
ONE TEAM is, and will always be Iolani.

Karlyn Kurokawa, Girls Paddling –

I vividly remember sitting in a classroom during my interview for `Iolani School. The interviewer asked me, "What do you know about `Iolani?" Without hesitation, I quickly answered, "I know that `Iolani embraces the One Team spirit and works to maintain that outlook in all aspects of school." Little did I know the extent and impact those two words would have on my days at `Iolani.

I know that it takes a selfless attitude to sacrifice personal satisfaction or glory for the betterment of the team. Having been one of few experienced paddlers as a freshman, I knew that I had to help my teammates to improve their skills, even if it increased the competition for earning a spot in the canoe. However, the daily huddles after practice and the "One Team" yell reminded me that my efforts were worth it. In the end, I bonded more with my teammates and all of our hard work paid off when we paddled our way to ILH Champions last year. Without the mind set that Father Bray and Eddie Hamada epitomize, I know that I would not have experienced the same success in paddling. Looking at these two men as role models and constant reminders of what is truly important, I have become a more humble, dedicated and responsible individual.

Although I will graduate in a few days and go on to college in the fall, the One Team motto of `Iolani will always remain in my heart. The pride that I have in my school stems from those simple words and I intend to always keep the importance of those words in mind.

Carolyn Tamayose, Girls Basketball Division II –

I feel that the One Team motto has really shaped me into a humble player. I feel that by taking this concept to heart, I have been able to create a bond with incredible people, whom I love to be around, and I have also benefited from the chemistry created from this. By eliminating individuality, I think of others before myself, which has pushed me to work even that much harder in order to contribute to the team. Every person contributes a little of their own pizzazz to create the ultimate team. It’s never fun to succeed on your own, because you have no one to celebrate with. I know that I would feel lost without my teammates, who have struggled through the journey with me, pushed me to keep going, and who lifted me up through the hard times. I know that this concept of “one team” greatly benefits the athletic program, and it has definitely brought my perspective of sports to a much higher level. I am blessed to have been a part of this program, and it will continue to be the forcing drive of my mentality as I head off into the world.

Robert Tamai, Boys Tennis –

For me, Iolani's ONE TEAM concept has had a huge affect on my life. All of the stories that have been told about the concept have inspired be to not only succeed as an individual, but also do more to help the team succeed. Whenever I am doing something, I always remember to put the goals of the team before my own goals. I truly believe that Together Everyone Achieves More.

Andrew Inaba, Boys Soccer – I have been surrounded by the one team philosophy my entire life because I have attended Iolani since Kindergarten. However, I never really understood the concept until I played Iolani soccer. I played soccer for an outside club, and in some ways I guess I felt important because I was the captain, but when I made the Iolani varsity team, I was surrounded by some of the best talent in the state, and my talent was overshadowed by many. For my sophomore and junior year I did not see much playing time, which I was not used to. I was forced to sit on the bench and watch my teammates played. To be honest, I was very frustrated and was contemplating on giving up on soccer. However, I began to think one day, that may Iolani soccer is more than me and individual talent. It stands for the one team philosophy. The individuals are combined to become an even better individual: a team. And it took me many years at Iolani to fully understand this one team concept. However, it all made sense to me, around the beginning of my junior season. I may not have played a whole lot, but everyone on the team plays an important role that will benefit the team and not just individuals. If I was not playing, I was right their cheering for my teammates, because the bench is the one who pushes the starters to be their very best, and without the bench there are no starters. The one team philosophy carried me al1 the way through my senior year. I have never been an All-star who scores all the goals, but I have learned that playing a sport isn't about being an All-star, but it's about looking and playing well as a team. I am the one who does the behind the scene action of serving the scorers the ball so that they may score the goal. The assister usually does not get much credit, but credit is not needed. I felt perfectly content when we won because it was the team who looked and played well, not the individuals. And that is how the one team philosophy has affected me. We win as a team and lose as a team; no individual is solely responsible for the win or loss. So over the years, the one team philosophy bas helped me understand my role on this bigger thing known as a team.