Sacred Hearts Academy paddling coach Jordan Terry ‘11 reflects on this year’s season, one that ended with an Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) championships for both the varsity girls and the mixed crew.
Terry has coached at the Academy since 2011, beginning immediately after graduating. This season marked her 14th year with the program.
“I originally did not realize that I was ‘coaching,’” Terry said. “I saw it as an opportunity to continue doing something I love and to stay in shape. Over time, it dawned on me that I actually enjoyed teaching and coaching.”
She said she began to feel most confident as an assistant coach during the 2017–18 seasons. Former head coach Queenie Loo and assistant coach Kuʻumea Gora recognized her readiness before she did herself. After the 2020 season, Terry officially stepped into the head coaching role for the 2020–21 season.
“I wish I was as talented as they are at this age,” Terry said.
Many athletes were only in their second or third year of paddling, yet they trained relentlessly and did what was necessary to succeed. “Everything is earned, and they have deserved it,” she said. There is nothing better than being DII champions. It is truly special and may be, hopefully not, a once-in-a-generation opportunity. On to states, and hopefully many more ILH championships to come.”
“I’ve been paddling for three years at the Academy. I started because a friend reached out to me and encouraged me to join,” Minami said. “I feel honored and blessed to go to states with the girls who have been my biggest supporters this season, and to experience it together.”
Minami said one of the team’s biggest challenges was staying focused and not letting their guard down, which could give other teams an opportunity to pull ahead. Another challenge came when the crew got in their own heads and lowered their expectations, affecting their performance.
“But we locked in and showed up for one another,” Minami said. “We knew we wanted to go to states.”
Mia Lagapa reflects on her first season with the program.
“My first year was definitely an emotional roller coaster. It was fun, tough and memorable,” Lagapa said. “There were moments when I wanted to quit, but it was such a good experience, and I made new friends and great memories.”
