Hawaii State Player of the Year - Kaahupahau “Kulia” Montgomery

Included in this segment featuring top-level players is the Gatorade Hawaii Player of the Year and up-and-coming 808 players from the class of 2029.   USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription   Many times, people might just see Hawaii as a tourist destination, but behind the glitz and glamour, the 808 state is known for producing some really good to great soccer players. Primarily from the girls'/women's side, players such as Meleana Lokahi “Mana” Shim (Portland Thorns and USWNT) and the most notable USWNT player from Hawaii, Natasha Kai. As a USWNT player, Natasha earned 67 caps and scored 24 goals between 2006 and 2009. Now the next generation of 808 State players are knocking on the doors and ready to make the jump to YNTs as well as setting the stage for future women's national team callups.   In my quest to promote Hawaii players and get them to the collegiate levels and higher stages of women's soccer, I'm hoping to create a prep soccer footprint in the islands I grew up in and played and started my coaching career in. There's no doubt that the islands have and continue to produce quality players on both the girls' and boys' sides. It's just that logistically, they haven't had much exposure as far as college scouts going out there or players not having the opportunities to perform at tournaments, camps, or showcases on the mainland.   In this segment of Prep Soccer Hawaii, the Hawaii Girls Gatorade Player of the Year, Kaahupahau “Kulia” Montgomery, takes center stage. The Arizona State commit is a perfect example of what Hawaii can produce. Kulia had a stellar junior year at Kamehameha, and in dominant fashion, she has a total of 42 career goals and 15 assists, while producing 16 goals and 7 assists en route to claiming the Division 1 Hawaii State Championship for Kamehameha Schools—Kapalama over Punahou, the defending three-time state champs.   Kulia's accolades also include the 2026 Honolulu Star-Advertiser Player of the Year. She competes on multiple club teams, including [program_tooltip program_id='280847' first='Leahi' last='SC'] (HI), Portland Thorns Academy ECNL (OR), and [program_tooltip program_id='283295' first='City' last='SC'], San Diego (CA). She's a top-level threat in the attacking third. Her strengths are in going up high for crosses and set pieces, finishing strong in the 18, and ripping shots from range (outside the 30 yards). Her clutch performances are definitely what scouts have noticed. It will be great to see what she can accomplish in her final year of high school. Most importantly, let's see if the national team scouts can pick up on her accomplishments and potential as a USYNT prospect. She's got the skills, size, drive, and mental fortitude to succeed at the highest levels.   The other 808 players ready to make the leap at their club and high school level are primed and ready as they compete on some of Hawaii's premier teams. Some also play as guest players on some of the mainland teams as well as represent their home teams in tournaments and showcases.    Kulia's accolades also include the 2026 Honolulu Star-Advertiser Player of the Year. She competes on multiple club teams, including [program_tooltip program_id='280847' first='Leahi' last='SC'] (HI), Portland Thorns Academy ECNL (OR), and [program_tooltip program_id='283295' first='City' last='SC'], San Diego (CA). She's a top-level threat in the attacking third. Her strengths are in going up high for crosses and set pieces, finishing strong in the 18, and ripping shots from range (outside the 30 yards). Her clutch performances are definitely what scouts have noticed. It will be great to see what she can accomplish in her final year of high school. Most importantly, let's see if the national team scouts can pick up on her accomplishments and potential as a USYNT prospect. She's got the skills, size, drive, and mental fortitude to succeed at the highest levels.    Kulia's Highlights: Hawaii State Player of the Year   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kuliamontgomery/status/2041388497035219309?s=20 </div></figure>   The next wave of up-and-coming talent from the 808 state:   [player_tooltip player_id='380599' first='Kyani' last='Eveland'] - 2029 - Defender/Forward - HS: Punahou- Club: FC Hawaii   [player_tooltip player_id='342235' first='Mahealani' last='Calibraro'] - 2029 - Defender/Midfielder - HS: Punahou - Club: Na “Alapa Hawaii (Hawaiian National Team), Utah Royals AZ - ECNL, Las Vegas Heat Surf, and [program_tooltip program_id='280166' first='Hawaii' last='Rush']   [player_tooltip player_id='380592' first='Kaylee' last='Chong'] - 2029 - Forward - HS: Mid-Pacific Institute - Club: [program_tooltip program_id='280166' first='Hawaii' last='Rush'] 11G and 10G    The Na “Alapa Hawaii (Hawaiian National Team) player is active in club play and also plays for Utah Royals AZ - ECNL, Las Vegas Heat Surf, and [program_tooltip program_id='280166' first='Hawaii' last='Rush']. She is part of the Punahou team which were the runner ups to Kamehameha's Division 1 state championship. Mahea is a player with top-level speed, technical skills, and a stout defender on the backline. Her ability to play multiple positions will make her an asset for teams looking for up-and-coming talent on both the offense and defensive side. Calibraro was chosen to the US Club Soccer id2 regional identification program and was named as a "Player to Watch" at the ECNL Phoenix National Event. Her on the field success as well as being a member of the National Junior Honors Society at Punahou are definitely what scouts look out for.    Mahea's Highlights: Phoenix Showcase March 2026   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpqr7MfBm6k </div></figure>    She is a top-level scorer who can make key plays in crucial matches. Her 9 goals and 2 assists helped her team to the state division II championship match. She had an epic moment while scoring in overtime in the HHSAA Division II state semifinals. Kaylee's ability to compete at a high level, while in her freshmen year will not got unnoticed. The multisport track relay runner also competes on club teams, [program_tooltip program_id='280166' first='Hawaii' last='Rush'] 11G and 10G. Looking forward to seeing her and her team in high school or club competition next year.    Kaylee's Highlights: Match-Sealing Goal in OT   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUKsVN8iuRD">https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUKsVN8iuRD</a>    She made an impact in the Girls Division I State semifinal match against Kamehameha-Maui in their 1-0 win. Kyani scored the winning goal in the later stages of the match to give them a shot against three-time, back-to-back-to-back state champions Punahou. She is known for her poise under pressure and her ability to make critical plays in crucial points of the match. Her club team competed is the FC Hawaii 11G Red team, but she travels as a guest player in competitions out west while winning a division championship at the Las Vegas Showcase. Kyani was also participated in Hawaii's Olympic Development Program (ODP). Hope to see more of her as a contributing member of the Punahou team or in club competition.    Kyani's Highlights: Freshman Season   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DUWm0bnEh92/?img_index=4 </div></figure>   I was also fortunate to have Kulia answer six soccer related questions regarding training, preparation for college, and other useful recruitment tips. Here are the questions and her responses.   Kulia's Questions and Responses:   1. What are three of your strengths as a soccer player?   "I would describe my strengths as being caring, competitive, and determined. I love winning and always push myself to be the best I can be, but I also care a lot about the people around me. I think being a supportive teammate is just as important as being a good player. I'm someone who brings positive energy, communicates a lot on and off the field, and always tries to lift my teammates up."   2. When did you and your parents decide that you would want to be a collegiate soccer player?   "I think I realized I wanted to pursue college soccer when I understood that I could continue doing something I truly love and have a passion for while also getting an education. My family and I realized that soccer and school could actually correlate so well together, and that pursuing college soccer would allow me to grow not only as an athlete, but as a person. It became exciting to think that something I've worked so hard for could also be a part of my future."   3. What are some of the things you are currently doing to prepare for your college soccer journey?   "I'm preparing by staying consistent with my training, working out, taking care of my body, and continuing to improve my skills. I'm also trying to build the routine and habits that I know I'll need in college by practicing balancing training, studying, and everyday life now. I want to prepare myself so when I get there, it doesn't feel like such a drastic change, but more like I'm stepping into a new era of my life that I've already been working toward."   4. What has been your most memorable soccer moment or moments at the state tournament or as a soccer player thus far?   "My most memorable soccer moment has definitely been winning the state championship with my teammates. What made it so special was seeing everything we worked on and talked about come to life. It wasn't just the work from that school year, but the years before that too, since our intermediate years at Kamehameha Schools. Seeing all the growth, commitment, and memories we built finally lead to that moment was something I'll never forget."   5. Is there a club, collegiate, or professional soccer player who inspires you?   "A player who inspires me is Trinity Rodman. I love how you can see her personality through the way she plays soccer. She brings so much energy, confidence, and creativity to the field, and I admire how she stays true to herself while still being such a hardworking player."   6. Where do you see yourself or hope to be in your soccer journey in 5–6 years?   "In 5–6 years, I hope to continue playing soccer at the most competitive level.  Ultimately, my goal is to play professionally. I know that I have a lot to work on ,from now, until then, but I'm excited for this next chapter in my journey. I want to lean into the process, control what I can, grind like crazy, and have a ton of fun along the way."

Included in this segment featuring top-level players is the Gatorade Hawaii Player of the Year and up-and-coming 808 players from the class of 2029.