Photo by Adam Maxwell
2021 New Mexico Girls Track and Field Gatorade Athlete of the Year
Kuupualiliapihamekealoha Pili
"Lia" Pili has etched her name in New Mexico Track and Field history with her being announced as the 2021 New Mexico Girls Track and Field Gatorade Athlete of the Year. The Centennial senior wrapped up her season with 5A state titles in the shot put and discus in her first season competing in New Mexico. Pili was undefeated in those events throughout the season hitting personal bests in the shot put with a 45-8 and a 139-10 in the discus.
An appointed youth elder in her church for two years, Pili planned lessons and activities for the girls under her charge.
Commonly called "Lia," she also served as part of a humanitarian youth group for several weeks while building a
preschool in Yucatan, Mexico. Pili has also donated her time at a charity clothing store, an elderly home for Alzheimer's
patients and founded an anonymous teen service group named P2SA (Proud 2 Stand Alone), helping area families in
need and raising awareness for suicide prevention. "Lia is a first-class person," said Centennial High throwing coach
Aaron Ocampo. "She's an excellent student and very passionate about working to be the best thrower she can be.
Though she was already very good at throwing when she came to us, she is highly coachable, as evidenced by the fact
she owns the No. 10 javelin throw in the state this spring despite having just taken up the apparatus. I've been coaching
football and throwers for over 20 years and Lia is at the top of my list of people/athletes that I have coached."
Lila's 2021 Season Stats
2021 - Outdoor
Discus
Javelin
Shot Put
Pili has maintained a 3.94 unweighted GPA in the classroom. She remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
Photo by Jaren Brooks
This accomplishment also comes as being the first thrower to be named athlete of the year for New Mexico in well over a decade. for the full press release from Gatorade click on the link below.