WAIMEA — Consistent success has always been one of the hardest obstacles in sports.
It requires loads of determination, repetition and confidence. Most athletes are unable to reach these heights, but for Hawaii Preparatory Academy field athlete Elaina Head, unparalleled success has been a commonality thus far in her high school career.
Head, who primarily competes in high jump, triple jump and long jump for Ka Makani, has been an individual powerhouse in these events — placing first in the girls high jump and triple jump in the first five meets of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) track and field season. She’s even posted multiple top-10 state marks in the high jump, including a five-foot, one-inch leap in the March 23 meet at Waiakea. The junior star has additionally recorded multiple Hawaii top-25 marks in the triple jump.
While not as dominant in the long jump, Head has consistently been a top-three finisher — placing second three times and third twice.
“I think (this season) is going really well,” she told West Hawaii Today at a recent practice. “I would like to be going higher on the high jump — I know I can. It’s just about getting in that mindset of reaching new heights. In triple jump, it’s all about my second phase and getting that to go longer. Now, it’s all about clicking in both long jump and triple jump.”
Head has also tried the discus throw for the first time ever this season, starting just a few weeks ago. The field athlete made a great first impression in her meet debut on March 30, throwing for a 79-07 mark to place fourth overall. The very next week at KS-Hawai‘i, she placed seventh in the event.
“She’s a go-getter,” Head’s jumping coach Meagan Kuali‘i said. “When she sets her mind to something, nothing can stop her.”
“It’s just totally different,” Head added on starting discus. “It’s a new style for me — it’s not a jump. So it’s not hard on the knees or anything. And it’s just something new and fun for me.”
Head’s success in field events hasn’t just prospered in this current season. Since her freshman year in 2022, the star has put the island on notice with her performances.
In the 2023 BIIF Track and Field Championships as a sophomore, Head placed first in the long jump (16-07.25), triple jump (34-04.50) and high jump (4-10.00).
She went on to compete at state on Oahu, finishing fifth in high jump, 16th in triple jump and 23rd in long jump.
In the 2022 BIIF Championships, Head won the high jump with a 5-01.00 mark while getting second in the triple (34-02.50). As a freshman at state, Head tied for third in the high jump and earned seventh in triple jump.
Needless to say, Head’s passion for the sport has only grown since she started in fourth grade.
Despite all of her accomplishments that have accumulated from years of hard work, Head admitted that it hasn’t been easy to stay on top. She emphasized that staying humble throughout the process is one of the core elements to sustained success.
“I think that making sure that you’re keeping up with your determination and keeping your discipline while staying humble about it is key,” she said. “It’s important to congratulate everybody and keep the competitive spirit — but also making sure that you’re doing well at the same time.”
Now with a couple of trips to state under her belt, Head believes her veteran experience could help her reach another level in her events — hoping to end her junior season as her best yet.
“I would really like to take first in all of my events (at states). Not sure if that’ll happen, but it’s always a goal,” she said. “I’d also like to go to states for discus. It’s a good mindset to have for the end of the season.
“Being a junior, it’s a little different (than being a younger athlete).
“When you come in as a freshman, everything is new. But when you get to be a junior, you get to know the officials and coaches a little bit better.
“So being where I am now, it’s fun to take new approaches to things like giving input (to underclassmen) and growing with your teammates.”
Regardless of what happens in the remainder of the season, Head and the rest of the team plan to represent their school community in the best way possible down the stretch.
“I know we want to get the BIIF title again for girls,” Head explained. “Just keep progressing and getting better. Staying healthy, too.”
Head and HPA will continue their BIIF season at 9 a.m. Saturday in Waimea, hosting their second meet of 2024.
