Mālama Ola Minute: Winning with wellness and balance

March 3, 2025

For many student-athletes, the drive to push limits and compete at the highest level comes naturally. But when does the pursuit of excellence become overwhelming? As an athletic trainer at Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, Amy Shirk is committed to helping haumāna navigate the fine line between competition and well-being.

“Students often push themselves to gain a competitive edge by doing more and more,” Shirk said. “But when you overload yourself, you’re no longer giving 100% to anything.”

Shirk has supported many players on their journeys, from managing a high school softball team when she was a student to supporting the Keaʻau campus’ girls’ soccer team to achieve their first state title in decades. For her, the value of sports lies in the lessons learned along the way – not just the championship wins.

“Being part of a team, learning about yourself and taking care of your body – all of those life lessons are the true value of sports,” Shirk said. “You won’t reach the championship without those lessons.”

Making smart, long-term decisions

Players face the unique challenge of balancing immediate goals with long-term health. Shirk recalls a powerful moment with a wrestler recovering from a shoulder injury. With league championships approaching, she had to make a tough call: compete at less than full capacity or sit out to heal.

“She said, ‘I don’t want to risk getting hurt if I know I’m not doing my best,’” Shirk said. “That was such a mature and thoughtful decision. I hope that students can recognize when how much is too much.”

This ability to understand personal limits and make informed choices offers benefits far beyond high school. Whether managing academic workloads or choosing careers, young people who develop self-awareness and focus on their well-being are better equipped to face life’s challenges.

Empowering parents to balance

Parents play a vital role in helping their children find balance. While they may feel responsible for their keiki’s success, open conversations about training intensity, recovery and emotional well-being can make a significant difference.

“We notice things in athletics that may not be as visible at home or in the classroom,” Shirk said. “Parents can see the big picture and how something outside might be affecting how their kid practices or feels during a game.”

Kamehameha Schools observes a holistic approach to student well-being, offering behavioral health, athletic services and health services to ensure that each haumāna has the resources they need to thrive.

Beyond the Koa

Being a champion isn’t just about trophies and titles. Sports provide a powerful training ground for learning discipline, commitment and resilience. For Rhacelyn Respicio, her years in soccer have been fueled by an inner determination to work hard and focus deeply on her goals.

While the state title was a sweet victory, Respicio says it was the relationships and love within her team that made the moment unforgettable.

“It wasn’t just about this one win. It was about the legacy that was built over time. Every tear, every drop of sweat, and every ounce of dedication put into this team was what made us champions,” Respicio said. “It’s the result of years of hard work, sacrifice and passion from so many people, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of that story.”

Shirk understands the perseverance it takes to reach those heights and works closely with students like Respicio to help them along the way.