Kamehameha's Kulia Montgomery Commits to Excellence

The junior forward led her team to a state title and earned Player of the Year honors.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:05am

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Kulia Montgomery, a junior forward for Kamehameha, had an outstanding season that included 8 goals, 4 assists, and a Hele/HHSAA Division I State Championship. Her dedication to training, nutrition, and leadership helped the Warriors claim the title, and she was named the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

Why it matters

Montgomery's commitment to excellence on and off the field serves as an inspiration for young athletes in Hawaii. Her story highlights the importance of hard work, discipline, and teamwork in achieving success at the high school level.

The details

Montgomery trains almost daily, even during free periods at school, to improve her speed, agility, shooting, and technical skills. She also focuses on proper nutrition, cooking her own meals and avoiding processed foods. As a team leader, Montgomery was vocal in team meetings and on the field, helping guide Kamehameha to the state title.

  • Kamehameha won the Hele/HHSAA Division I State Championship in late January 2026.
  • Montgomery was named the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Girls Soccer Player of the Year in April 2026.

The players

Kulia Montgomery

A junior forward for Kamehameha who finished the season with 8 goals and 4 assists, leading her team to the state championship.

Ayva-Ray Malepeai

A midfielder for Kamehameha who was named to the Stellar Eleven.

Kircha Cayetano

A defender for Kamehameha who was named to the Stellar Eleven.

Kailla Miller

The goalkeeper for Kamehameha who was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Goalkeeper.

Maya Yoshimura

A forward for Punahou who was named to the first team.

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What they’re saying

“Overall, I'm just super excited to have won this award. More importantly, getting the state championship is what means the most to me.”

— Kulia Montgomery, Kamehameha Forward

“She does a lot of extra things to improve herself individually. She has that growth mindset where she knows she has to get better.”

— Missy Moore, Kamehameha Coach

What’s next

Montgomery, who has committed to play at Arizona State, will look to build on her successful junior season and lead Kamehameha to another state championship in her senior year.

The takeaway

Kulia Montgomery's dedication to training, nutrition, and leadership has made her a role model for young athletes in Hawaii. Her story demonstrates that with hard work and commitment, high school athletes can achieve excellence both on and off the field.