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!