LIHU‘E — The two September King Auto Center KIF Athletes of the Month, Futi Tavana and Tina Moger have a lot in common. They are both Red Raiders, they play volleyball, their teams made it to the state tournament and
LIHU‘E — The two September King Auto Center KIF Athletes of the Month, Futi Tavana and Tina Moger have a lot in common.
They are both Red Raiders, they play volleyball, their teams made it to the state tournament and are KIF champs, they are both outside hitters, and most importantly, they have extremely high G.P.A’s.
Tavana, a senior has just finished one of the most spectacular KIF volleyball campaigns in recent memory, on a team that dominated from start to finish with a perfect 8-0 KIF mark, followed by an impressive 3-1 record in the state tournament, en route to a fifth-place finish at states.
“We came into the season knowing we could win, we improved a lot from the start, and we developed a lot too,” Tavana said.
With a 3.7 GPA, Tavana plans on majoring in Sports Medicine at a college of his choice. So far, Tavana hasn’t made a college choice, but lots of schools are interested in his many talents.
Tavana is a gentle giant that lets his play speak for itself.
The 6’8″ senior had a tremendous state tourney leading the Red Raiders in kills and to the fifth-place spot in the state.
As for future plans, well hoops is up next for Tavana and he is very optimistic about the upcoming season.
“We have a great chance to be really good, but we’ll see,” Tavana said.
Whether it’s on the court for basketball or volleyball, one thing is always present with the multi-sport star, the contagious smile he displays when he plays, which translates to how much fun he’s having on the court.
Kaua‘i High’s Tina Moger plays almost the same way as Tavana on the volleyball surface. The junior outside hitter gives 110 2.819708e-308very time she laces it up.
“My teammates, coaches, and family are awesome, they deserve all the credit,” Moger said.
Red Raider girls volleyball head coach Rich Roberts is excited about having Moger back next season.
“She’s easy to coach and a great team leader,” Roberts said.
The Kaua‘i captain, along with senior Ligaya Malones, is trying out for an O‘ahu Club team in hopes of getting more exposure and experience for the next level.
“I think I’m going to paddle, but I don’t know yet, it all depends on how the O‘ahu club team thing goes, but paddling starts today,” Moger said of the possibility of participating in KIF paddling.
With a 4.0 G.P.A., Moger definitely has her priorities in order. Her father Wayne, who’s always at her games, videotaping, and her mom plays a big part in the studies first/sports second philosophy.
The Red Raider ladies performed at a higher level at the state tourney and came away with three exciting matches, with two in their favor.
Unluckily for them though, the only loss came in a first round match against Kalani High School.
“We were bummed, but stoked at the same time, it was good for the players who haven’t gone to states for them to get some experience at that level,” Moger said.
The King Auto Center KIF September girls athlete of the month would like to thank the fans for all of the support this season and was pleasantly surprised with the honor.
“The fans have been awesome this season and as far as next year goes, we need to get more people involved to improve for next season,” Moger said.
The one thing that we know about September’s King Auto Center KIF athletes of the month is the fact that they are talented both on and off the court, which will translate into success where ever life takes them.
The selection procedure and criteria for the King Auto Center KIF athletes are done by the five athletic directors, representing each of the five high schools in the KIF.
Each month, nonimations will be made by coaches or athletic directors.
Based on the following criteria, a female and male high school athlete will be selected: 1. Athletic achievement, 2. Academic standing, 3. Citizenship /sportsmanship, 4. Other extra-curricular activities.
Teams in competition will be considered but not necessarily will there be a representative from each sport in season.
The broadcast of the event can be seen on Wala‘au with Dickie Chang on channel 6.
