This past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Mid-Pacific junior Destiny L., whose exceptional athletic prowess has shone across volleyball, track and field, and national competitions. Her journey reflects Mid-Pacific’s mission to empower students to thrive with confidence, adaptability, and integrity.
Owls on Top: D2 Volleyball Champions
Destiny’s remarkable year began in November 2023 when she played a crucial role in the Mid-Pacific Girls Volleyball team’s thrilling victory in the HHSAA Division 2 Championship against University Laboratory School. The Owls clinched the title with a hard-fought 3-2 win, a testament to the team’s resilience and unity, setting the stage for a year filled with athletic achievements for Destiny.
ILH Track and Field Champion
Destiny continued to dominate on the track, establishing herself as one of Mid-Pacific’s top athletes. On April 27, 2024, she claimed three titles at the ILH Championships:
- 1st in the 110 hurdles
- 1st in the 300 hurdles
- 1st in the long jump
Destiny Dominates at the HHSAA State Championships
At the Track and Field Championships on May 12, 2024, Destiny earned:
- 1st place in the 300 hurdles
- 2nd place in the 100 hurdles and high jump
- 3rd place in the long jump
Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Track & Field Player of the Year
In June 2024, Destiny was named the Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Track & Field Player of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing her excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
National Champion at the USATF Junior Olympics
In July 2024, Destiny reached the pinnacle of her athletic career by earning the title of National Heptathlon Champion at the USATF Junior Olympics in Texas. Her outstanding performance included setting a new shot put record at 30’-11.25” and placing:
- 2nd in the 400m hurdles
- 4th in the high jump
- 6th in the 100m hurdles
Recognized by the City of Honolulu
Capping off an extraordinary year, Destiny was honored with the Mayor’s Award of Recognition on October 1, 2024, presented by Mayor Rick Blangiardi, in recognition of her remarkable achievements and inspiring performance at the Junior Olympics.
A Role Model for All
Mid-Pacific Track and Field Head Coach Rick Hendrix shares his thoughts on Destiny: “I first coached Destiny as an 8th grader when she joined our Cross Country and Track & Field team and was able to see back then that she was a naturally talented and exceptional athlete. Even more impressive was her ‘I got this coach’⸺never turning down a workout, very coachable⸺willing to adjust to instruction, and always up to the challenges facing her. She is humble in her numerous wins, a hands-on mentor with our younger female athletes and an inspiration for all sports that she participates in. As a coach, it is refreshing to see her enthusiasm and commitment to athletics has not diminished but flourished and am looking forward to her next two seasons of her excelling at the state and national levels in track and field.”
Destiny embodies the spirit of determination, excellence, and resilience that defines a Mid-Pacific Owl. Whether on the volleyball court, at track meets, or competing on the national stage, Destiny has proven herself to be a true leader and an inspiration to her peers. Her integrity and commitment to excellence are a testament to the values of Mid-Pacific, and we can’t wait to see where her talents take her next. Congratulations, Destiny, on an extraordinary year. Go Owls!
Destiny L. with Track and Field Teammates Eva H. ’25 and Nikko S. ’25