Maui’s Seabury Hall Makes History with First State DII Volleyball Title
On Friday, October 30, 2026, the Seabury Hall Lady Spartans etched their names into Hawaii’s athletic history by capturing the program’s first-ever state Division II volleyball title, a feat that has eluded Maui’s high school teams for over a decade. The 3-1 victory over Waipahu at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu wasn’t just a triumph on the court—it was a cultural milestone for the Valley Isle, where the sport had long been dominated by Oahu schools. Maui Now reported the win as a culmination of years of grit, with the Spartans finishing the season undefeated at 19-0.
The Road to Glory
The match unfolded as a testament to Seabury Hall’s resilience. After taking the first two sets 25-18 each, the Lady Spartans faced a fierce third-set rally from Waipahu, which seized the frame 25-12. But the Spartans, led by Milaniakai Padilla’s 21 kills and 12 digs, regrouped to close the fourth set 25-18, sealing their place in history. Padilla, who earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award, was joined on the All-Tournament Team by teammates Destiny Keomaka-Wood, Dillon McLellan, and Tulsi Erlemann, whose 25 digs anchored the defense.
Coach Lecca Roberts, a 2004 Seabury Hall alumna and former volleyball player, described the win as “a dream come true” in an interview with Aloha State Daily. “As an alum, I’ve seen the struggle. We’ve had teams come close, but never quite cross that finish line. This team believed in themselves, and they proved that Maui volleyball can compete with the best in the state.”
A Legacy of Perseverance
The victory carries weight beyond the scoreboard. Prior to 2026, no Maui-based team had won a state volleyball title since Molokai’s 2010 MIL championship. Aloha State Daily highlighted that gap, noting the pressure on Seabury Hall to break the drought. “This isn’t just about one team,” said Roberts. “It’s about the entire island. We’ve created a culture where Maui’s volleyball community lifts each other up, and this win is a reflection of that.”
The Spartans’ success also underscores the growing competitiveness of the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL). With teams like Seabury Hall and Molokai pushing boundaries, the league has become a breeding ground for talent.
Players Define Title as Career Milestone
For the players, the title is more than a trophy; it’s a career-defining moment. Keomaka-Wood, who directed the offense with 39 assists, emphasized the sacrifices required to achieve such a feat. “We gave everything—our time, our energy, our hearts,” she said. “This isn’t just for us. It’s for every Maui athlete who’s ever been told they couldn’t win.”
A New Chapter for Maui Volleyball
Roberts envisions a legacy of mentorship, with former players returning to coach or advise younger athletes. “This isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something bigger,” she said. “We want Maui to be known not just for one title, but for a thriving volleyball culture.”
As the celebration continues, the broader implications of the win remain clear: Seabury Hall’s victory is a microcosm of Hawaii’s evolving athletic landscape. It’s a story of perseverance, community, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—a narrative that will resonate far beyond the Stan Sheriff Center.
