Reilly Robertson is an ASU Walter Cronite School of Journalism student assigned to cover McClintock High School for AZPreps365.com.

The sounds of Hawaiian reggae and laughing ring through the gym, creating a relaxed but energized tone as the McClintock High School boys volleyball team starts practice. 

Jacob Laikona is the head boys volleyball coach at McClintock High School. This is his sixth year, after taking a break from coaching last year. 

He is originally from Hawaii, and instills his Hawaiian culture into his athletes as much as he can.

“By playing Hawaiian reggae during practices and game days, I feel like I create a vibrant atmosphere that not only energizes my team but also fosters a connection to my culture,” said Laikona.

He also shares his culture with two of his athletes, Jeremiah Eliam and Ron Erwin, who are polynesian. Even though Hawaiian and other Polynesian cultures are distinct, they both share similar values of family, discipline and respect. 

“I’ve seen his Hawaiian culture in the way he coaches through the music he plays when practicing”, said Erwin. “He is always playing nice music that keeps us locked in at practice.”

The Hawaiian and Polynesian culture that Laikona emphasizes is also shown in their pre game rituals, such as “The Mili” and the “cheeehooooo.”

“The inclusion of the Polynesian chant ‘The Mili’ before some games adds another layer of cultural depth and camaraderie,” said Laikona.

He showed his love for their “cheeehooooo” chant that they use to celebrate wins and good points. The players enjoy these traditions, because they create brotherhood and belonging with each other. The Hawaiian traditions are even extended to the seniors on senior night.

“I've seen coach Laikona’s Hawaiian culture side a lot, especially on senior night when he gave out lei’s to all the seniors while they did their walks,” said Junior Graham King.

King went on to describe the impact that Laikona and volleyball has had on him throughout high school.

“The impact of this season and team has changed the way I look at the sport of volleyball, also not only has it improved my skill significantly but this team has made me realize how much of a team sport volleyball really is,” said King. “Volleyball is the one thing that gets me through the school day, if I didn’t have volleyball to look forward to after school then I wouldn’t have any motivation to get through the day.”

These athletes are looking for a community within a large school, and Laikona is able to create that for them. The positive environment that he creates is also a testament to his culture, and his ability to be a great coach. 

“My approach to coaching is rooted in my Hawaiian concept of Ohana, which beautifully emphasizes the importance of family and community,” said Laikona. “By fostering positive relationships with my players, I create an environment where they feel supported and valued, which is crucial for their development both on and off the court.”

He utilizes Hawaiian words and phrases to allow his players to understand the meaning of notions that are important to him, such as family, unity, and perseverance.

“Teaching my team Hawaiian words like Ohana, Lokahi, IMUA, Hana Hou, and Puka serves as a meaningful way to instill cultural values while enhancing team cohesion,” said Laikona.

He takes pride in everything he does because he wants these athletes to understand that they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

“Everything I do, school, coaching volleyball is teaching them about my culture and making sure they understand how important family is and to love one another and to show our respect to anyone, whether the referees, opponents, parents,” said Laikona. 

Coach Laikona makes sure that he holds his athletes to a high standard, and they know what’s expected of them. Balancing tough love with fun, he makes sure his athletes are disciplined and know the value of hard work.

“He is always pushing us to be the best that we can be, on and off the court,” said senior Charlie Pabst.

He has a strong bond with a lot of his athletes, he’s known most of them since they first stepped onto McClintock's campus.

“I’ve coached Charlie Pabst since he was a freshman so being able to be here for him for his senior year is one of the reasons I came back,” said Laikona.

There are three other athletes that are also members of his club team.

“Those three boys make it so much easier to run my program, because they understand what is expected and it is always delivered,” said Laikona.

Coach Laikona keeps his athletes in check, and always wants them to live up to his high standards, while staying humble and respectful. He knows that these are lifelong skills these boys will take well beyond high school.

“Being able to teach these boys that to where they can apply this to their daily lives, off the court and hopefully in their future,” said Laikona.

He also places an emphasis on being role models for younger athletes. The standards are high, but the McClintock athletes know how to meet them. 

“They understand how I feel about being disciplined, making sure that we’re being role models all the time,” said Laikona.

Even though these high expectations are placed on his athletes, they know their coach always has their best interest at heart. 

“He sets high standards and goals for us, but always makes sure we have everything we need to reach them,” said senior Jeremiah Eliam. 

The high standards are expected, but the lasting impact is felt by everyone who surrounds the boys volleyball team. Their discipline shows with any interaction, and their coach is always proud.

“By integrating my cultural values into my coaching style, I not only teach sports but also life lessons that can resonate with them long after their athletic careers,” said Laikona. My commitment to instilling these values will likely have a lasting impact, shaping not just athletes but strong individuals.”

Laikona understands that the lessons these athletes learn in high school are going to stick with them for the rest of their lives, and that this is an impressionable time in their lives. The things that these athletes learn and the discipline that they have will shape the people they become. Under Laikona’s values, they are sure to become strong-willed and good role models.

It is apparent that all of these young athletes have a lot of respect for their coach, and he always pushes to earn their respect, because it goes both ways.

It isn’t all strict and serious at McClintock, as Laikona always makes sure to take the time to talk and joke with his athletes. 

“My favorite memory with coach Laikona has to be during my sophomore year when I used to go to the bathroom everyday during 7th hour and we would just talk for like 30 minutes about random things,” said King. 

The McClintock Chargers boys volleyball team have high hopes for this season, but regardless of their accomplishments, coach Laikona has set these athletes up for success.