Maui News: Poulsen '26 named MIL Surfer of the Year

Poulsen was part of a strong contingent of MIL shortboard All-Stars. MIL shortboarders took four of the six spots in the state finals including state champion Kahlil Pineres-Schooley of Seabury Hall.

Poulsen also was a state medalist in longboard and the only boy to medal in two divisions. During the season, Poulsen was a model of consistency, winning three of four regular season shortboard titles as well as two longboard crowns.

For Poulsen, this marked the end of a stellar MIL career. He was also voted MIL Surfer of the Year as a sophomore.

The low-key Poulsen cracked a smile after hearing he was selected again.

“That’s so sick,” he said. “Beyond stoked, such an honor. The season was great for my final year of high school and we had a really good team, really good coaches. It was really nice to see the support building and the just the whole system coming together, and the other islands getting into it, and just happy to be a part of it.”

Standing out this season for Poulsen was winning the MIL team title and competing in the first-ever state competition.

“As a team, to be able to connect with those freshmen (teammates) who I’ve surfed with my whole life was a highlight,” he said. “State was super cool. State was a lot more than I expected it to be with the organization, cameras and broadcasting, just cool to be a part of it.”

(Article taken from MauiNews.com “2025-26 MIL All-Stars: Zolten Poulsen, Ocean Lipstein named Surfers of the Year” published on June 18, 2026.)