HONOLULU, HI - As the Sharks begin a new season, there's a renewed sense of optimism buzzing around the HPU women's soccer program. Led by first-year head coach Connor Artigue, his vision has been clear from day one: to foster a culture of mentorship and guidance that emphasizes both athletic performance and personal growth. "I believe in the power of a solid support system," Artigue stated. "Building a team of dedicated coaches and mentors who can offer invaluable resources is crucial to our players. Our goal is to create an environment where our players can thrive both on and off the field." 

Already, the impact of this approach is being felt throughout the program. Artigue has assembled a coaching staff that he believes complements the players' needs, ensuring they receive well-rounded support. This focus on collaboration and teamwork extends beyond the field, as Artigue and his coaches emphasize the importance of establishing strong relationships with each player. Let's take a deeper dive into the revamped coaching staff for the 2025-2026 year:

Sarah Inafuku - Director of Operations: Returning for her fifth season with the Sharks, Sarah Inafuku has been promoted to Director of Operations, marking an exciting new chapter in her career. Inafuku originally joined the women's soccer coaching staff as an assistant in the Fall of 2021, bringing a wealth of experience from her playing days at Grand Canyon University. As a former standout at Waianae High School, Inafuku not only excelled on the field but also in academics, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and an MBA. Her leadership in operational aspects promises to bolster the team's overall effectiveness and player development. 

Noelani Bio - Assistant Coach: Noelani Bio is the newest addition to the Sharks coaching staff, bringing a rich history of soccer from her roots in Maui, HI. After a stellar high school career at Baldwin High School, she played for two years at the NJCAA level in Northern California. Noelani's coaching journey began at the youth level, where she held various positions at Riggers Soccer Club and later at the Pac-5 girls soccer program. Since 2016, she has served as the head coach at Kaiser High School, earning the OIA-East Conference Coach of the Year award four times. Additionally, Noelani serves as the Head Coach for the Kanaka U16 Women's National Team and is involved in talent scouting for the Hawaiian National Teams. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a USSF "C" Coaching License.

Mariah Santiago - Mindset & Wellness Coach: Joining the Sharks in a brand-new position, Mariah Santiago brings a unique perspective shaped by her journey from Ewa Beach, Hawai'i. Her love for soccer began in her youth as she played competitive club soccer and at James Campbell High School. Mariah continued her athletic journey at Graceland University, where she studied psychology while playing collegiate soccer, and later competed at a semi-professional level with the Kansas City Courage. Beyond her playing career, she has established herself as a certified personal trainer and strength & conditioning coach, with over a decade of coaching experience at various levels. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Corrective Exercise & Performance Enhancement, along with a Master's in Education, Coach Mariah is poised to integrate mental performance with physical training, helping players optimize both their gameplay and cultivate a "Champions Mindset."

Thomas Aoki - Goalkeeper Coach: Thomas Aoki joins the Sharks as the Goalkeeper Coach, as well as leading our new speed and strength program for players returning from injury. Holding a USSF "C" Coaching License, Thomas has substantial experience developing athletes from the youth to the professional level. His recent highlights include leading Punahou School's JV Girls soccer team to back-to-back championship appearances and assisting the Varsity team in three Hawaii State Championships. As the founder of a high-engagement digital training platform, Thomas excels at designing customized training sessions that cater to players' specific needs and demands. 

Under Artigue's leadership, the Sharks have begun laying a strong foundation based on high standards and clear expectations. "Every great program is built on a positive culture and solid organization," he affirmed. "We are setting the stage for success through clearly defined goals and a structured approach that prioritizes growth for every player." With a quick start to the 2025 season, there's no doubt that the Sharks squad is ready to make waves in the tough PacWest Conference.