Senior Heals, Steps Up To Lead Mustangs On OIA Courts
Shauna ‘Ulu’ Perry in action with Kalaheo teammates against Punahou. Photo from the Perry family.
Champion-caliber teams always have a coach on the floor. For Kalaheo girls basketball head coach Shaina Ava, that role belongs to senior Shauna “Ulu” Perry.
“She’s a leader by example,” Ava said, “but she’s never too shy or afraid to speak up when one of her teammates needs help. She’s just a really good kid.”
Having been slowed by an injury recently, the team is looking for Perry to provide a big boost with her return to the lineup, hopefully Wednesday when it hosts Kaiser in a key OIA East game. Perry recently took some time out to visit with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.
What is your earliest sports memory? When I was 5, I started playing basketball and I was coached my dad (Joe) and my uncle (Micah Kaaihili). I was on an all-boys team, and I just remember being really scared. But my dad pushed me to work hard.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My dad. He coached me every year up until high school. I had asked him if I could play basketball, and he was happy about that because he’d gotten hurt when he was in high school and he couldn’t play. He always thought that sports relate to life after sports.
What area of your game did you focus on the most this off-season? All of my high school years, I’d been a guard, but we didn’t know who we would really have this season so I practiced playing both small forward and forward.
When did you know basketball was THE sport for you? When I was about 7 and I started to play against girls more than guys. They were more at my skill level. I realized then that I really liked it and that I wanted to play.
Who plays the toughest defense at practice? Esther Ilad because she always moves her feet and she plays really tight defense. I like the way she pushes us guards when we’re dribbling.
When you surf the Internet, what website do you go to the most? Honestly, I only use the Internet to check my grades. I also go on ScoringLive.com after the (basketball) season is done.
What movie could you watch over and over? I like the sappy love movies. Three of my favorites were The Notebook, Love and Basketball and A Walk To Remember.
Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Justin (Kawika) Young, Anuhea and Colbie Caillat.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I read a lot of books, and I play guitar and ukulele.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully, as an athletic trainer. That’s what I’d like to major in when I get to college.
What would be your dream destination? Europe.
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