In an outstanding achievement, ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY senior Taiga Sugitaya ‘24 was recognized as the ILH Division III Player of the Year in boys varsity basketball. Sugitaya’s journey to this prestigious honor is not just a testament to his athletic skills, but also a reflection of his unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
“Sugitaya joined the Navigator team in Grade 10 during the 2021-2022 season, with nine seniors on the team and worked hard to improve himself,” shared Coach Seth Brownold. “He continued demonstrating a desire to get better, even as a senior, and ended up named to All-Star teams, and led the league in scoring for his junior and senior seasons.”
When asked about the significance of being named Player of the Year, Sugitaya humbly expressed, “It is a great honor to be named Player of the Year. It is a reflection of my three years of dedication and commitment to my craft. I am very proud to receive this award.”
His words reflect the sentiments of an athlete who understands the value of hard work and perseverance. And, for Sugitaya, commitment to excellence extends beyond the basketball court.
“It means to give everything I got in everything in life,” he explains. “Whether it be for basketball, such as weight lifting or getting shots up, every time I lace my shoes up I don’t give anything less than 100% of my effort. As for academics, I apply the same principle.”
“Taiga is a great competitor, you can tell that he hates losing,” shared Brownold. “When we were in a tight game, he always stepped his game up and made the big shots when you wanted them. And every team needs a player like that.”
Reflecting on his high school basketball career, Sugitaya is grateful for the positive impact his coaches’ support had on his success.
“Both Coach Kyle and Coach Seth have been a crucial part of my success on the basketball team,” he says. “Whenever I would have my off days and I feel myself getting in my head, the coaches would always motivate me and remind me to think positively and not dwell on mistakes.”
Sugitaya shares the most significant lesson he’s learned on the court. “Hard work can beat talent when talent fails to work hard,” he shared. “Last year I was the shortest player in the league and this year I was still one of the shortest. This puts me at a huge disadvantage in a sport such as basketball but instead of letting that slow me down I held my head high and worked as hard as I could to make the most of what I was physically given.”
Sugitaya also shared his favorite quote that got him through the ups and downs in basketball.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
These words encapsulate the essence of his journey, as a reminder to embrace our individual paths and celebrate our unique achievements.
Sugitaya plans to study microbiology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in the fall. As he navigates this new journey after graduation, we know his legacy of excellence will continue to inspire our younger Navigators. Congratulations, Taiga, on this well-deserved honor!
