Hall pass: Sarah Lau

Sarah Lau will be the next great local player on the University of Hawaii's soccer team.
Sarah Lau will be the next great local player on the University of Hawaii’s soccer team.

Athletes like Sarah Lau don’t come around every year.

Kamehameha’s Lau completed a career as a standout in volleyball, soccer and track and field and will be honored for it with an induction into the Enterprise / HHSAA Hall of Honor on June 7 at Dole Cannery Square’s Pomaikai Ballroom.

To find the last girl to pull that unique trifecta of sports and do them well enough to reach the hall, you have to go way back to 2002 when Tiana Lum-Tucker played those three sports — and three others on top of them — for Kauai in 2002. Sarah Clark, who was inducted in 1996, played all three and added basketball for Hawaii Prep.


Lau was actually discouraged from doing all three, but she found that they complemented each other and made her the athlete she is. This is the 10th straight year Kamehameha will have an athlete honored at the banquet, but none of them have meant more to as many teams as she has.

Lau’s varsity career began as a sophomore, after contributing to ILH runner-up teams in intermediate volleyball and JV soccer. When she stepped up the the varsity in volleyball, much of the team was set but she still contributed to an ILH title and run through the state tournament until a loss to Carly Kan’s Punahou squad even though she never got off the bench in the championship. She played a bigger part in Kamehameha’s soccer season, but that team didn’t reach the state tournament.

Lau’s steady improvement continued before her junior year, and although she saw the floor in only two sets of Kamehameha’s run to the state championship in volleyball, she played a big part in their ILH title and was on the all-tournament team at the Durango Classic early in the season and made honorable mention on the Star-Advertiser’s Fab 15.

It was her eighth year of volleyball, and she hit her junior year completely polished in her 12th year as a soccer player. She anchored Kamehameha’s defense with Shyann Moriguchi and paired with her to provide a lethal scoring threat on throw-ins and the Warriors shrugged off a second-place finish in the ILH to sweep through the state tournament. Her impact led to her first appearance on a Star-Advertiser All-State team and she was one of five girls from Kamehameha on the HHSAA’s all-tournament team.


With two state titles already, Lau joined the track and field team at head coach Harvey McInerny’s request and aimed for a sweep. She fell short of a state title, but anchored two relay teams to ILH crowns and McInerny says that in his 17 years he had never put a new runner in such an important position.

2014 Hall of Honor recipent Alohi Robins-Hardy graduated and left Lau to fill in for her around the net. Lau picked up the challenge and helped the Warriors to their second-straight ILH title and did it in dominating fashion. The Warriors tripped up in the state final and lost to Punahou after beating them all year, but Lau was so important to the effort that she made the HHSAA all-tournament team and cracked the Star-Advertiser’s Fab 15 despite only being second team in the ILH.

Injuries decimated the soccer team in her senior season and the Warriors failed to reach the state tournament, but Lau was still recognized as the bright spot in a bad situation and made the Star-Advertiser’s second team despite missing the big show. She was part of the long injury list after hurting her back, and didn’t hit the track until begging her way into a relay late in the season.


She made another run at a state title in track and field, and contributed to an ILH team championship with her effort in the 4×100 relay. She ran the 200 meters at the ILH championships but saved her efforts for the relays in her final state event and wrapped up her illustrious career with a second-place finish behind Kaiser in the 4×400 relay.

Lau will take the $2,000 scholarship awarded by Enterprise to the University of Hawaii, where she will play soccer.

Adrian Murrell, Leilehua, 1989 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Agenhart Ellis, Kamehameha, 1991 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Kamuela Borden, Iolani, 2015 (Photo by Jay Metzger / Special to the Star-Advertiser
Gabbie Ewing, Hawaii Prep, 2015 (Jamm Aquino/Star-Advertiser)
Lena Hayakawa, Mid-Pacific, 2015 (Jay Metzger / Special to the Star-Advertiser)
Sabrina Hollins, Waipahu, 2015 (Cindy Ellen Russell)
BJ Hosaka, Hawaii Baptist, 2015 (Bruce Asato)
Ian Kahaloa, Campbell, 2015 (Craig Kojima)
Kanoa Kaleoaloha, Kamehameha, 2015 (Jay Metzger / Special to the Star-Advertiser)
Kawika Lam, Punahou, 2015 (Jay Metzger / Special to the Star-Advertiser
Sarah Lau, Kamehameha, 2015 (Craig Kojima)
Micah Ma'a, Punahou, 2015 (Cindy Ellen Russell)
Kanawai Noa, Punahou, 2015 (Dennis Oda)
Tiyana Hallums, Kamehameha, 2015 (Cindy Ellen Russell)
Teshya Alo, Kamehameha, 2016
Emalia Eichelberger, Punahou, 2016
Mariel Galdiano, Punahou, 2016
La'akea Kaho'ohanohano-Davis, Baldwin, 2016
Kaeo Kruse, Kamehameha, 2016
'Aukai Lileikis, Punahou, 2016
Vavae Malepeai, Mililani, 2016
Lalelei Mata'afa, Lahainaluna, 2016
Austin Matautia, Moanalua, 2016
Chanelle Molina, Konawena, 2016
Shandon Hopeau, Kapolei, 2016
Emma Taylor, Hawaii Prep, 2016
Kayla Afoa, Kamehameha, 2017 (Cindy Ellen Russell / Star-Advertiser)
Jocelyn Alo, Campbell and Kahuku, 2017 (Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Lia Foster, Punahou, 2017 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Hugh Hogland, Iolani, 2017 (Photo by Cindy Ellen Russell / Star-Advertiser)
Kekaula Kaniho, Kahuku, 2017 (Photo by Cindy Ellen Russell / Star-Advertiser)
Kesi Ah Hoy, Kahuku, 2017 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Celena Molina, Konawaena, 2017 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Kristen O'Handley, Kaiser, 2017 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
K.J. Pascua, Iolani, 2017 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Ava Shipman, Seabury Hall, 2017, (photo by Barry Frankel / Special to the Star-Advertiser)
Tua Tagovailoa, Saint Louis, 2017 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Dane Yamashiro, Iolani, 2017 (Photo by Craig Kojima / Star-Advertiser)
Saydee Aganus, Kamehameha-Hawaii
Teniya Alo, Hawaii Technology Academy
Corey Cabanban, Saint Louis
Andre Ilagan, Farrington
Teagan Keep, Kauai
Gwen Maeha, Leilehua
Cherilyn Molina, Konawaena
Taysia Pimentel, Seabury Hall (right)
Mikayla Tablit, Konawaena
Ally Wada, Hawaii Baptist
Ryan Wilcox, Punahou
Veronica Winham, Seabury Hall
Alohi Robins-Hardy, Kamehameha, 2013 (Photo by Craig T. Kojima / Star-Advertiser)
Alyssa Tobita, Mililani, 2014 (Photo by Michael Darden / Special to the Star-Advertiser)
Amosa Amosa, Campbell, 1984 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Ana Vidinha, Punahou, 1992 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Ashley Ruff, Kamehameha, 2002. (Star-Advertiser photo)
Bern Brostek, 'Iolani, 1985 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Brandon Brooks, Punahou, 1999 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Breland Almadova, 'Iolani, 2009 (Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Brendyn Agbayani, Saint Louis, 1993 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Brian Norwood, Radford, 1983 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Bryan Clay, Castle, 1998 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Byron Beatty, Kahuku, 1987 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Carl Fraticelli, Kalaheo, 1984 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Carly Kan, Punahou, 2013 (Photo by Cindy Ellen Russell / Star-Advertiser)
Casey Flores, Konawaena, 1996 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Courtney Kessell, Kailua, 2005 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Dakota Grossman, Seabury Hall, 2014 (Photo by Bruce Asato / Star-Advertiser)
Debbie Lambert, Punahou, 1994 (Star-Advertiser photo)
DeForest Buckner, Punahou, 2012 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Derrick Low, 'Iolani, 2004 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Endia Abrante, Kaiser, 1998 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Eri Macdonald, Punahou, 1999 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Erin Stovall, Iolani, 1997 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Fiona Nepo, McKinley, 1995 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Gerald Welch, Saint Louis, 2000 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Glenn Freitas, Waianae, 1992 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Hoku Nohara, Kamehameha, 2007 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Jacob Edwards, Kau, 2010 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Jarrett Arakawa, 'Iolani, 2009 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Jasmine Mau, Punahou, 2014 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Harrison "Jeeter" Ishida, Punahou, 2008 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Jodi Jackson, Punahou, 1995 (Craig T. Kojima / Star-Advertiser)
Joe Igber, 'Iolani, 1999 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Joel Lane, Saint Louis, 1993 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Joelynn Naki, Baldwin, 1993 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Joey Bunch, Radford, 1983 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Jonathan Spiker, Saint Louis, 2003 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Joshua Terao, Mid-Pac, 2014 (Photo by Cindy Ellen Russell / Star-Advertiser)
K. Mark Takai, Pearl City, 1985 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Kanani Herring, Kamehameha, 2008 (Photo by Cindy Ellen Russell / Star-Advertiser)
Kawehena Johnson, Kahuku, 2013 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Kawika Shoji, 'Iolani, 2006 (George F. Lee / Star-Advertiser)
Kealoha Pilares, Damien, 2006 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Keelan Ewailiko, Baldwin, 2013 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Keiko Price, Mililani, 1996 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Kekoa Kaluhiokalani, Waianae, 1990 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Kena Heffernan, Punahou, 1992 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Keoni Ruth, Kamehameha, 2003 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Kirk Uejio, 'Iolani, 1998 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Kolten Wong. Kamehameha-Hawaii, 2008 (Photo by Bruce N. Omori / Special to the Star-Advertiser)
Kyle Pape, 'Iolani, 2005 (Photo by Cindy Ellen Russell / Star-Advertiser)
Larry Khan-Smith, Campbell, 1986 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Larry Tuileta, Punahou, 2014 (Photo by Bruce Asato / Star-Advertiser)
Lauran Dignam, 'Iolani, 2002 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Lia Galdeira, Konawaena, 2012 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Lauren Ho, HBA, 2006 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Maile Golden, Waimea, 1988 (SB Photo)
Manti Te'o, Punahou, 2009 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)
Marcus Mariota, Saint Louis, 2011 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Matt Bell, Farrington, 2004 (Photo by George F. Lee / Star-Advertiser)
Matt Stevens, Hawaii Baptist, 1997 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Miah Ostrowski, Punahou, 2007 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Micah Christenson, Kamehameha, 2011 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Mysha Sataraka, Punahou, 2012 (Photo by Cindy Ellen Russell / Star-Advertiser)
Nancy Hoist, Konawaena, 2004 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Natasha Kai, Kahuku , 2001 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Pam Nihipali, Kahuku, 1983 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Pomai Kapule, Kailua, 1997 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Richard Torres, Kahuku, 2007 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Robynn Bicoy, 1984 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Sarah Palmer, HBA, 2010 (Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Stewart Chong, Punahou, 1993 (Star-Advertiser file)
Tamari Miyashiro, Kalani, 2005 (Photo by George F. Lee / Star-Advertiser)
Tani Costa, Kalani, 2009 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Tino Sellitto, Pac-Five, 1983 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Tita Ahuna, Kamehameha, 1984 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Tuli Peters, Kahuku, 2003 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Vera Simms, Mililani, 2000 (Photo by Dennis Oda / Star-Advertiser)
Billy Pieper, Kamehameha, 1996 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Yoshi Honda, Radford, 1983 (Star-Advertiser photo)
Zhane Santiago, Kahuku, 2011 (Photo by Jamm Aquino / Star-Advertiser)

Hall of Honor Members

COMMENTS (1)

  1. Harry Lum June 8, 2015 1:15 pm

    Congrats!! I hope your mom is happy now.


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