News Detail
Pueo Surfing Kicking Off Historic Year
It is a landmark year for high school surfing in Hawaii! After decades of the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) pioneering the way, surfing has finally achieved HHSAA-sanctioned status.
Maui Prep enters this season with a legacy of excellence and a brand-new Middle School program designed to build the next generation of watermen and waterwomen.
THE NEW ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP
The transition to a sanctioned sport brings a structured new format to the MIL. Teams must now balance a diverse roster to capture the title. Each team enters a specific roster of 3 shortboarders, 2 longboarders, and 1 bodyboarder. In a display of versatility, athletes are now permitted to enter more than one division.
The Scoring Path
- The Team Title: Determined by the combined results of the first four meets.
- The Individual Title: Determined during the final MIL meet of the season.
- The State Stage: The top surfers from all islands will converge on May 1–2 at Ho'okipa for the first-ever HHSAA State Crowns.
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
Maui Prep continues to be a powerhouse in the waves. The Girls’ team won the school’s first-ever MIL title in any sport back in 2015 and has repeated that dominance in 2017, 2019, and 2024. Standouts like Sophia Johnston '17 and Sloane Jucker '26 have already etched their names into the record books.
On the Boys’ side, the 2023 MIL Team Title remains a highlight, alongside a roster of individual champions including Zolten Poulsen '26, Dante Silva '18, Ty Kirby '20, and Tony Nunez.
COACH’S CORNER: BEYOND THE WAVE
Head Coach Lyndee Sprenger emphasizes that competitive surfing is about more than just catching waves—it’s about "competition strategy and intelligence."
Under the guidance of coaches Sprenger, Leslie Hainsworth, Benny Martin, Eric Poulsen, and Dylan Payne, athletes are judged on the following WSL standards:
- Wave selection and timing
- Agility and technique
- Speed, power, and flow
"Having a MS surf team is an incredible gift... our athletes are learning to become better watermen, learning valuable ocean and life-rescuing techniques, and making the ocean a safer place for all." — Coach Sprenger
SEASON CALENDAR
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
- Mondays: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM (All Team)
- Wednesdays & Fridays: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Longboard/Bodyboard)
- Wednesdays & Fridays: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Shortboard)
2026 CONTEST DATES
- Feb 21: DT Fleming Beach Park
- Mar 7: Kahului Harbor
- Mar 28: Koki Beach (Hana)
- Apr 11: Ho'okipa
- Apr 25: MIL Individual Finals (Lahaina Harbor)
- May 1–2: HHSAA State Championships (Ho'okipa)
About
Maui Preparatory Academy is a preschool through 12th grade private school located in West Maui.
© Maui Preparatory Academy. All Rights Reserved