Aloha ALL -

After 5 years on the AYLA board and 3 seasons as AYLA president, I am "retiring" and passing the baton to the next generation of leaders.  I want to briefly thank all the board members, coaches, volunteers and parents for the energy and work helping make youth lacrosse and AYLA what it is today. While it's disappointing that our season didn't happen, I am proud to say that the 2020 season would have been our strongest season yet, in terms of player participation and organization.  

My involvement with lacrosse began when my 3 young boys started playing back in 2010. I had no knowledge of the game, but lacrosse and the community soon hooked my family. I became team parent for each of my boys' teams over the years, and eventually joined the AYLA board in 2015. In 2018, I became only the 3rd AYLA president and was the first "outsider" -- a non-player with no association with the local lacrosse community. I am grateful to be welcomed into the local lacrosse community.

To remain true to AYLA's original mission statement, to grow youth lacrosse and firmly establish lacrosse in Hawaii, my 3 main goals as President were :

1. Strengthen organizational integrity & professionalism

2. Improve coaching and program delivery

3. Establish financial discipline & processes

I feel the board and I have achieved these goals and provided a strong foundation for the future. We did not always do things perfectly, but the hard work and sometimes frustrating moments, have made it a truly a worthwhile endeavor for me personally. Along the way I've met amazing coaches, parents, and kids. I've made some lifelong friends which I'm grateful for, and I'm proud of what we've all done together.  It's been a great run and a true team effort. 

In closing, I encourage and hope that parents and coaches volunteer where you can, and continue to grow lacrosse in Hawaii.  We have many talents and resources in our AYLA community that we can harness.  The future is bright!

All the best & good luck to Mike Barstis, new AYLA president, and his team! Go AYLA!

Mahalo and A Hui Hou,

Grace Saturnia

P.S. Summer is looking good!

Aloha AYLA Ohana -

While it looks like Hawaii is doing well at this time during this pandemic, there are still a lot of unknowns regarding how government leadership will manage reopening our community, specifically the lifting of group restrictions and use of parks in the coming months. After much discussion and careful consideration, the AYLA board has decided to officially close this season out and work on possible options for mid-late summer, as state guidelines permit.

What are the Next Steps?

1. AYLA Fee Refunds

• AYLA has incurred signficant expenses to begin the season including goals, balls, uniforms, coach USL fees, park permits, credit card processing fees, etc. As such, we cannot refund 100% of the 2020 fee. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
• Option A: 70% AYLA fee Credit for future participation in clinics/scrimmages & 2021 season - No action required.
• Option B: 70% AYLA fee Refund via check or credit card - Please click link and complete the Refund Request form by MAY 31: https://forms.gle/3ELsK2bS1s3VTMdD9
• AYLA Uniform Pinnies: All registered players will receive their AYLA pinnies, at a pick up date in the summer
• USL membership fee: AYLA cannot refund this fee as this was paid directly to US Lacrosse; the membership is valid for a year and allows players to participate in AYLA sanctioned scrimmages & games in the off-season through early 2021. Membership is also valid if player transfers to another league on the mainland within the expiration date of the membership.

2. RENTAL Gear Refunds

• 70% of rental fee refund upon receipt of gear; deposit checks will be returned/destroyed
• Return Date(s) is TBD, sometime mid-summer, as permitted by state guidelines
• More information to follow
• If you are leaving the state before June, please contact Tony Brown at aylacommish@gmail.com.

3. COACH Bags & Goals - Tony will be in touch with coaches with more information

4. SUMMER Play: As soon as permitted, we plan to organize games/scrimmage/clinics. We don't yet know how this will look like, so stay tuned.

• HS players: Games to give our seniors the opportunity to play before going off to college
• K-8 players; TBD

The AYLA Board greatly appreciates your patience, understanding and support during this unprecedented situation. The decisions we've had to make were tough and complicated. We hope to ensure the viability of AYLA as an organization and are hopeful for the future of youth lacrosse in Hawaii. We will post another update in a few weeks. 

Mahalo,

Grace Saturnia & AYLA Board members