Waimea High trio sign letters of intent

WAIMEA — Three Waimea High School girls’ basketball senior players signed to two collegiate schools despite missing the entire 2020-21, COVID-19-canceled season.

Menehune players Braelyn Cayaban, Kierstin Gummerus and Kaye Serapio were three were key parts of sending the last two Menehune teams to Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association Division II state appearances.

Cayaban signed with Colorado College, an NCAA Division III team located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Kierstin Gummerus and Kaye Serapio signed to play basketball at Arizona Christian, an NAIA school in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jumping through the hoops

Waimea High School girls’ head basketball coach Natalie Mata gives credits to the players and their families for getting recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think it helped these girls went to state the last two years, and those last two years were a lot of exposure for them,” Mata said.

The Menehune basketball team, which made two consecutive HHSAA Division II state appearances, was another reason the Menehune players were able to get recruited to college programs.

“I think (going to state) helped those girls get the exposure for them,” Mata said. “That is what we aimed to do. It is hard to get looked at for the exposure, and fortunately, those two years at state gave them a lot of highlights and videos.”

For Mata, seeing three of her players get an opportunity to play basketball at the next level is just as gratifying as her team winning.

“Winning is good, but seeing these girls continue to chase their dreams of playing basketball and further their education is a big deal for me,” Mata said. “I am super proud of them.”

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Jason Blasco can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.