Team Sports & Culture
Build strength, teamwork, and pride through sports, culture, and community.
What We Offer
Team sports and culture offers you the chance to grow as an athlete and leader. With options to play volleyball or basketball, you’ll engage in skill-building, cultural learning, and community connection—all while having fun and staying active.
Mana Moves: Basketball
Level up your game with Mana Moves Basketball. Learn fundamentals, sharpen skills, and take on team challenges in a fun, supportive space. Build pilina (relationships), discover the power of teamwork, and grow as a leader on and off the court. No experience needed, just come ready to play. Ages: 12-17
Mana Moves: Sports Sampler
Try new sports and build confidence with the Mana Moves Sports Sampler! Explore games like flag football, spikeball, and pickleball in a fun, supportive space. Strengthen teamwork, resilience, and pilina while discovering activities you’ll love. All skill levels welcome, just bring energy and curiosity. Ages: 12-17
Pilina Performance: Sport Psychology
Strengthen your mind and your game. Learn to focus under pressure, manage stress, and lead with confidence. Explore how culture shapes mental performance while building skills in communication, resilience, and decision-making. No experience needed, just a drive to grow. Ages: 14-18
Sports Team
Keiki Akau
Director, ʻŌlino Pathways – Sports
Keiki Akau
Director, ʻŌlino Pathways – Sports
Keiki Akua is the Director of ʻŌlino Pathways Sports at Liliʻuokalani Center. She spent much of her youth actively involved in various sports and physical activities. Before pursuing softball, she danced hula with Hālau Hula Olana and later continued dancing at Mid-Pacific Institute under Kumu Michael Casupang.
A proud graduate of Mid-Pacific, Keiki helped lead her softball team to two state championship titles during her junior and senior years and three ILH championship titles. She went on to play for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa as a Rainbow Wahine, serving as team captain and competing for four years. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Resource Management and Human Development.
Keiki’s passion for softball and community continues through her work as a coach and private instructor, helping to develop the next generation of athletes. For nearly a decade, she has coordinated sports programs, events, and initiatives with LT.
Mehana Maʻa
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Athletics
Mehana Maʻa
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Athletics
Mehana Maʻa is the Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Athletics at Liliʻuokalani Center. She is dedicated to helping Hawaiʻi’s youth thrive with strong minds, healthy bodies, and resilient spirits. A proud Punahou graduate, former Division I and II National Champion, and member of a well-known volleyball family, she knows the discipline and determination it takes to pursue dreams at the highest level. Now completing her master’s degree in Sport Psychology, Mehana combines her athletic journey with her academic training to mentor the next generation in sports and in life!
Guided by the ‘ōlelo no‘eau, “I ulu no ka lālā i ke kumu,” the branches grow because of the trunk, she believes in honoring our roots while inspiring kamaliʻi to see their own potential, chase their goals, and carry forward the values of aloha, strength, and resilience to share with the world.
Jason-Matthew Sharsh
Sports Trainer
Jason-Matthew Sharsh
Sports Trainer
Jason-Matthew Sharsh is the Youth Strength & Conditioning Trainer at Liliʻuokalani Center. Born and raised in Honolulu, HI, he is a former University of Hawaiʻi football team captain and professional athlete who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Studies and is a Certified Personal Trainer.
He’s excited about this new opportunity to give back and make a lasting impact on Hawaiʻi’s kamaliʻi. In his free time, he enjoys staying active—playing football, pickleball, and beach volleyball.
Hilari Ballenti
Youth Engagement Specialist (Gym)
Hilari Ballenti
Youth Engagement Specialist (Gym)
Hilari Ballenti is the Youth Engagement Specialist for the Gym at Liliʻuokalani Center. She was born and raised in Nānākuli, Hawaiʻi, and grew up an athlete with a deep love for sports, which sparked her lifelong interest in human performance and the importance of physical activity.
She attended Moanalua High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Hilari is currently pursuing a post-baccalaureate certificate in Health and Physical Education, with plans to earn a master’s degree in Adaptive Physical Activity. Her goal is to make physical activity enjoyable, inclusive, and accessible for all, while making a positive impact in my community through health and education.
Connect with us
Ready to join our community and discover your passions? We can’t wait to meet you!