Three Student-Athletes Ink NLI to Compete at Division I Colleges

Sofia Mallari and Ava Kawahara will take their talents to the collegiate golf circuit, while Sacha Salem commits to the pool.

 

Coaches, teachers, classmates, and fans gathered in the Bozich Center lobby to witness this inspiring milestone. Each student-athlete was flanked by their parents —a testament to the incredible support systems behind their success. After heartfelt personal statements from many were heard, the girls inked their letters, officially marking the start of their journey to the next level.

The athletes displayed personal items significant to their careers and wore their future college apparel, adding to the excitement of the moment.

College: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Sport: Golf Intended Major: Finance

Sofia is a four-year Varsity veteran for the Pueo Golf Team. Her high school career is marked by excellence, including being the HSJGA Maui Junior Individual Champion (2025). As a leader on the Back-to-Back MIL Championship teams (2024, 2025), she helped secure a historic 3rd Place team finish at the 2025 HHSAA Girls Golf State Championship.

Favorite Maui Prep Memory: "Making lei and eating steaks on the floor on the Big Island during the 2025 state championship with the whole team."

Advice for Younger Athletes: "Never give up. Do it tired, unmotivated, burnt out, and frustrated; because the dream is not the destination, it is the journey. Enjoy all the highs and lows along the way because that's what it truly is all about."

College: Utah Tech University Sport: Golf Intended Major: Radiology

Ava is ready to join the Trailblazers, bringing her dedicated experience from Maui Junior Golf since 2016 to the collegiate level. Supported by her parents, Carey and Jordon Kawahara, Ava's experience culminated with forming a strong bond with her teammates at the state championships, where the girls team finished 3rd in 2025.

Favorite Maui Prep Memory: "Last year at states I created a bigger bond with the team and created great memories, and overall I had the best team I could ask for."

Looking Forward To: "I'm looking forward to taking a big step in improving my game and also learning how to be independent."

Advice for Younger Athletes: "Focus on your grades and don't hold back; don't limit yourself to anything. There is always better out there."

College: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Sport: Swimming Intended Major: Marketing

Sacha is a four-year Maui Prep swimmer who has truly excelled in the pool and the classroom. Her extensive honors include three-time Maui Prep Athlete of the Year awards, Co-Swimmer of the Year (2024), and an MIL Individual Champion title. Academically, she has consistently been on the Headmasters list and Honor roll (2023, 2024, 2025).

"Thank you to everyone who’s supported me — my coaches, my teammates, and the people who’ve given their time and support along the way. Every bit of guidance has helped shape who I am as an athlete... Fall in love with the work, not just the idea. Everyone loves the idea of being first place, but what actually gets you there is the work you do when nobody’s watching."

Looking Forward To: Team travel!!

 

These three Pueo standouts join a proud legacy of Maui Prep athletes competing at the highest level, demonstrating that dedication and commitment lead to dreams realized.