Since they first donned the Ka Makani uniform, Malia Brost and Alianna West have been a part of Hawaii Prep history.
They have been key pieces of a dynasty that has brought the school seven consecutive HHSAA girls soccer state championships and they have witnessed their senior seasons canceled this winter by an unprecedented pandemic.
Now they are ready to represent HPA all the way across the country — and across the world.
Brost and West signed their national letters of intent Wednesday at HPA’s Castle Gymnasium. Brost signed to the Soccer Management Institute in Rome, Italy, while West will compete at Division III Emerson College in Boston.
Both Brost and West were a part of the past three state title teams for HPA, and each have been named as All-BIIF selections during their time at HPA.
Their last state championship, and last HPA soccer game, was won almost a year ago. It was Feb. 8, 2020, a little more than month before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down high school sports in Hawaii. Brost and West scored against Waimea in the Division II semifinals on the way to Ka Makani winning 4-1 against Kauai in the title game.
“It feels really good,” West said of signing to play collegiate soccer. “I’ve been working hard academically and athletically for a very long time now and I’m excited to move on to the next chapter of my life.”
Brost, who shared the honor of BIIF Division II Player of the Year with teammate Jenna Perry after the 2019-20 season, said she’s never been to Europe before, so her move to Italy to play soccer will be “a different experience.”
“I’m going to miss it here,” Brost said. “I’m going to miss the team a lot and I hope they keep (the success) going.”
HPA girls soccer coach Steve Perry said he felt fortunate to be a part of Brost and West’s growth on the soccer field, even if he missed out on one last season with the duo.
“All our winter athletes wear these bracelets and the word on (the bracelet) is ‘appreciate,’” Perry said. “That’s kind of the motto for this winter and it’s a good word for me with my relationship with Alianna and Malia. It’s how much I appreciate getting to know them and working with them on the field, and off the field.
“Their passion for the game is unique and special that, as a coach, we always look for. I knew once practice came around it was going to be the best part of the day just because I got to work with people like Alianna and Malia. I am very proud.”