Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Emma Taylor is no stranger to success. The track and field star had a hall of fame worthy career as a member of the HPA track and field team where she set a new state record with
Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Emma Taylor is no stranger to success. The track and field star had a hall of fame worthy career as a member of the HPA track and field team where she set a new state record with seven individual state championships in the hurdles.
The 5-foot-6 recent grad won both the 100 and 300-meter state hurdles races in her senior year, which helped propel Hawaii Prep to their first team state title in over 20 years. Taylor also finished second at state in the 200-meter dash and added two fourth place finishes in a pair of relay races.
For her success during her senior season, Taylor has been named the 2015-16 Gatorade Hawaii Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year.
The award, which is in its 31st year and is sponsored by Gatorade and USA TODAY, recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the track.
Along with her track success, Taylor also maintained a 3.86 GPA in the classroom and volunteered locally on behalf of the Hawaii Visitor Industry Charity Walk and youth running programs.
“If you hung around Emma in school you would never know she is the athlete that she is,” Hawaii Prep Athletic Director Steve Perry said. “She is very quiet, a great student and a friend to all. She is a good role model for all the kids at school. I couldn’t be more happy for her.”
“We were all pulling for her and I am happy she was able to win,” Hawaii Prep head coach Patrick Lau said. “She was one of the biggest factors in us winning the championship this year, not only because of her skill but also because of her leadership. She has a lot of confidence and she is never satisfied. That is what makes her so great.”
Taylor is the third female track and field award winner from Hawaii Prep. The two previous winners are Zoe Sims (2012-13) and Heather Onama (1994-95).
With her high school career now over, Taylor will head to Boston College in the fall where she signed a Letter of Intent to compete for the track team.
