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Punahou goalkeeper Xeyana Salanoa was the first to practice and the last to leave, according to Buffanblu girls soccer coach Shelley Izuno.

It was that kind of leadership and dedication that helped Salanoa become one of 12 senior student-athletes selected to the HHSAA Hall of Honor.

"I am so humbled and grateful to be recognized as a recipient of the 2025 HHSAA Hall of Honor," said Salanoa, who was named the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Girls Soccer Player of the Year after leading the Buffanblu to their third state title. "This is a very huge honor and I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to my Heavenly Father and to the HOH selection committee for their genuine consideration."

Salanoa battled through a torn ligament in her wrist and a whiplash injury during the season. In the 1-0 victory over Kamehameha in the state title game, she stayed in until the final whistle despite partially fracturing her shoulder.

"When teammates saw Xeyana diving for balls all practice and visibly pushing herself to the limit, shaking off hard collisions and bouncing back from setbacks with quiet determination, it inspired them to push harder," said Izuno, who also praised Salanoa for her leadership, mental toughness and ability to communicate and encourage teammates.