What began as a basketball trip to Kona in early December became a turning point for the McKinley girls’ varsity basketball team, transforming two road games into lessons about connection and accountability.
The trip began with players and coaches settling into a shared house, stocking up on groceries, and exploring local landmarks such as Mauna Kea and Waipio Valley. Alongside sightseeing, the team made time for walk-throughs, strategy discussions, and preparation for their first matchup against Kohala High School. Balancing recreation with structured practice allowed players to see how preparation and communication translated directly to performance on the court.
“It was our first game after a few days of not practicing, and we were really disconnected,” Kainani Reverio (℅ ‘26) said. “That became our wake-up call to start working together again.”
Following the Kohala game, the team faced Hawai‘i Prep Academy, a matchup that tested their adaptability and ability to stay connected throughout the game. Players noted the importance of maintaining focus under pressure and relying on one another when momentum shifted. Off the court, shared meals and household responsibilities emphasized how living together strengthened trust and understanding.
Coach Donald Kamai (℅ ‘90) said the trip served as a turning point for the team, pushing players to grow not only as athletes but as individuals learning how to rely on one another. Being away from home, adjusting to new opponents, and sharing daily responsibilities created situations that demanded communication, patience, and trust. Those experiences, he said, revealed how much progress can happen when a team is placed outside its comfort zone.
“Spending that much time together strengthened their chemistry,” Kamai said. “They saw different styles of play, different school environments, and they learned how to work through challenges as a group.”
For several players, including first-year varsity member Reverio, the trip marked their first experience traveling for basketball. She described the mix of excitement and pressure that came with representing the school in an unfamiliar setting. Despite limited preseason practice, the team quickly identified areas for improvement, particularly staying connected during games and remaining engaged when opponents applied pressure.
“I felt like we were really clicking in the first half of our second game,” Reverio said. “It showed what we can do when we focus on each other, not just ourselves.”
Team captain Sherry McMurray (℅ ‘26) emphasized the importance of leadership in supporting both new and returning players throughout the trip. Her role extended beyond in-game strategy to include encouraging teammates, maintaining morale, and ensuring everyone was prepared for practices and games. By the end of the trip, players noticed a stronger sense of cohesion.
“I try to make sure everyone feels connected and ready,” McMurray said. “We all have different lives off the court, but living together and playing together helped us understand each other more.”
While the games provided immediate feedback on performance, the trip’s most lasting impact was the team’s shared understanding of collaboration and support. Players learned to navigate disagreements constructively, celebrate each other’s successes, and rely on one another during challenging moments. Coaches reinforced that building a successful team requires more than technical skill—it requires time, trust, and care for one another’s well-being.
“Even when things didn’t go perfectly, the team kept showing up for each other,” Kamai said. “That commitment is what will carry them through the rest of the season.”
Returning from Kona, the team brought back more than game experience. From cold winds atop Mauna Kea to late-night conversations in the shared house, players reflected on moments that strengthened accountability and trust. Those experiences continue to shape the team’s dynamic moving forward.
“I realized how important it is to love your teammates and appreciate the effort everyone puts in,” Reverio said. “It’s not just about the game—it’s about how we support each other every day. That’s what this team is really about.”
