Coach Gabriel Maunupau’s leadership extends beyond the court, shaping student-athletes into well-rounded individuals through mentorship and guidance.

Coach Gabriel Maunupau is more than just a volleyball coach: he’s a mentor, educator, and advocate who is shaping the future of young athletes in Hawaii. As a U.S. Army Reserve Captain, special education teacher, and head coach at Mililani High School, Maunupau brings a unique blend of discipline, empathy, and cultural pride to his coaching. His journey, which began under the mentorship of Olympic gold medalist Pete Velasco, has been defined by a commitment to developing not only skilled players but well-rounded individuals. From building a championship-caliber program to guiding students through mental health challenges, Maunupau’s impact extends far beyond the volleyball court, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership, resilience, and passion for the game.

The Path to Coaching

Coach Gabriel Maunupau’s journey into coaching began earlier than most. At just 13 or 14 years old, he was pushed into coaching by his mentor, two-time Olympic gold medalist Pete Velasco, and his son Pedro. Initially, he saw it as just another way to stay involved in sports, but he quickly realized that teaching required a completely different skill set. Coaching younger athletes forced him to break down complex skills, communicate clearly, and develop patience, all of which shaped him into the leader he is today.

His father’s advice, "You learn best when you teach others," stuck with him, even though he didn’t fully appreciate it at first. That lesson resurfaced during his high school years when he trained under influential coaches who challenged him to think critically about the game. Maunupau’s coaching career took off when he began working with girls' volleyball clubs at just 18 or 19 years old. His reputation grew, leading to opportunities at the University of Hawaii under head coach Mike Sealy, a mentor who taught him the strategic side of the game. Through connections with USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program (NTDP), Maunupau expanded his expertise, working with top-tier talent and refining his ability to develop players at every skill level.

Over time, he transitioned from coaching women’s to men’s volleyball, a shift that required a different approach. He found that while female athletes tended to adapt more quickly, male players often needed repetition and structure before executing techniques correctly. His early experiences teaching young athletes who didn’t yet speak the “volleyball language” prepared him well for this transition. From high-level college programs to developing high school athletes, Maunupau’s coaching philosophy has remained consistent. Meet players where they are, adapt to their learning style, and instill discipline through mentorship.

Coaching Philosophy & Mentorship

For Coach Gabriel Maunupau, coaching is about far more than teaching the fundamentals of volleyball. It’s about understanding each athlete as an individual, building trust, and creating a culture of accountability. He believes that adaptability is the key to effective coaching, especially with the evolving ways young athletes learn. Some players grasp concepts best through verbal instruction, others need visual demonstrations, film breakdowns, or written diagrams. By tailoring his approach to each athlete’s learning style, Maunupau ensures that no player gets left behind.

A major part of his philosophy revolves around accountability and self-awareness. He uses film analysis as a powerful teaching tool, helping athletes see their performance objectively rather than relying on feelings or memory. “The camera doesn’t lie,” he often reminds his players, emphasizing that reviewing footage removes ego from the equation and allows for constructive self-improvement. He also stresses the importance of understanding the game beyond the physical level, breaking down rotations, strategic plays, and opponent tendencies so his athletes learn to think critically on the court.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Maunupau is dedicated to building strong character in his athletes. He believes that every player, regardless of skill level, deserves the opportunity to develop and contribute. His coaching isn’t about instant success but long-term growth, instilling discipline, patience, and resilience in his athletes. He holds his players to high standards but also recognizes when they need encouragement rather than criticism. His goal is not just to produce great volleyball players, but to shape young men who are prepared for life beyond the game.

Coach Gabriel Maunupau and his team celebrate a tournament victory, showcasing their hard work, dedication, and team spirit on the court.

Training, Season Structure & Work Ethic

Coach Gabriel Maunupau’s program at Mililani High School is built on intensity, consistency, and year-round development. His athletes don’t just train during the season. They prepare 12 months a year, following a rigorous schedule that includes weight training, skill work, beach volleyball, and tournament play. What sets his program apart isn’t just the structure, but the athletes’ personal commitment to improvement.

“This isn’t my schedule, it’s the one my players want,” Maunupau explains. Many of his athletes voluntarily train multiple times a week, lifting weights, playing beach volleyball, attending open gyms, and competing in elite tournaments against some of the best teams in the country. During the preseason, the team participates in at least seven major tournaments, some lasting two to three days. Once the season begins, the schedule becomes even more demanding, with three-hour practices six days a week, including study halls, film sessions, recovery work, and high-intensity training.

His dedication to player development extends beyond the gym. At home, Maunupau has built a fully equipped personal gym, featuring weights, kettlebells, an assault bike, a treadmill, and rehab equipment, which he opens up to his players. His goal is to ensure that athletes have the resources they need to grow, recover, and strengthen their bodies year-round.

Despite the demanding schedule, Maunupau emphasizes balance and recovery just as much as training. He ensures his players have access to rehabilitation tools like ice baths, stretching protocols, and massage therapy, helping them maintain peak performance while reducing injury risks. His philosophy is clear: greatness isn’t built overnight, but through years of dedication, hard work, and a relentless commitment to improvement.

Hawaiian Culture & Coaching Values

For Coach Gabriel Maunupau, coaching isn’t just about building strong athletes. It’s about building strong individuals, rooted in discipline, respect, and cultural identity. His coaching style is deeply influenced by Hawaiian values, particularly the tradition of learning through observation and repetition. In Hawaiian culture, much of the learning process happens by watching, mimicking, and refining techniques, rather than relying solely on verbal instruction. Maunupau integrates this into his training, encouraging his players to study the game, recognize patterns, and apply what they see in real time.

Another core principle of his coaching philosophy is ohana (family) and aloha (love and respect). Maunupau believes in developing all athletes, not just the most talented ones, ensuring that every player has the opportunity to improve. “Some coaches only want the best kids. I’ll take anybody,” he explains. His commitment to working with raw, unpolished players and guiding them to success reflects the deep cultural value of community and inclusivity.

Beyond the court, Maunupau instills a sense of pride and responsibility in his athletes. He teaches them that volleyball is more than just a sport, it’s an opportunity to represent their school, their families, and their heritage with honor. By creating a culture of respect, commitment, and humility, he ensures that his players not only compete at a high level but also carry the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance into their daily lives.

Mental Health & Student Advocacy

Beyond the volleyball court, Coach Gabriel Maunupau is a fierce advocate for mental health and student well-being. With a background in mental health counseling, he understands that athletic success is just as much about mental resilience as it is about physical skill. His approach to coaching emphasizes mental toughness, goal setting, and emotional balance, ensuring his athletes develop the tools to navigate stress, setbacks, and personal challenges.

Maunupau’s commitment to mental health stems from both personal experience and his upbringing. His mother was a probation officer, and his father worked in juvenile corrections, which exposed him to mental health professionals, social workers, and the impact of trauma on young individuals. Over time, he realized that many of his student-athletes were struggling with issues far beyond the game, from academic pressures to family struggles, anxiety, and self-doubt. Rather than ignore these challenges, he has made it his mission to create a safe space where students feel comfortable opening up.

At Mililani High School, Maunupau works with students who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans, supporting those with learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral challenges. He provides guidance on coping strategies, emotional regulation, and stress management, ensuring his students receive the academic and emotional support they need.

His philosophy on mental strength is clear: “Your muscles don’t function if your mind isn’t strong. We always talk about training ‘from the neck up.’” He encourages his athletes to visualize success, set realistic goals, and reflect on their progress, reinforcing the idea that growth is a continuous process.

By fostering an environment of trust, understanding, and mentorship, Maunupau ensures that his players leave his program not just as better athletes, but as more resilient and self-aware individuals. His work extends beyond volleyball. He is an advocate, a counselor, and a mentor to every student who steps into his gym.

Coach Gabriel Maunupau and the Mililani boys' volleyball team, united by a culture of perseverance, teamwork, and growth.

Handling Wins, Losses, and Life Lessons

For Coach Gabriel Maunupau, success isn’t just about winning. It’s about how athletes respond to both victories and setbacks. He teaches his players that resilience, discipline, and self-reflection matter just as much as physical skill. While winning is always the goal, he emphasizes that losses are just as valuable as wins, if not more, when it comes to learning and growth.

Maunupau instills in his players the idea that their body language and demeanor should always reflect professionalism, no matter the outcome. “If a random person sees you getting off the bus, they should never know whether you won or lost the game,” he tells his athletes. He wants them to carry themselves with confidence and respect, win or lose, understanding that how they handle adversity defines their character.

Losing is inevitable in sports, but Maunupau doesn’t let losses define his team’s identity. Instead, he treats them as opportunities for reflection. His players watch film, analyze mistakes, and refine their strategies to ensure they improve moving forward. He reminds them that setbacks happen in all aspects of life, whether it’s losing a big game, missing out on a promotion, or facing unexpected obstacles. The key, he teaches, is to control what can be controlled and keep working toward the next goal.

Through his coaching, Maunupau prepares his athletes for more than just volleyball, he prepares them for life. He pushes them to be mentally tough, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement, no matter the circumstances. Whether celebrating a championship win or bouncing back from a tough loss, his message remains the same: growth never stops, and success is a long-term game.

Legacy & Lasting Impact

Coach Gabriel Maunupau’s legacy extends far beyond the volleyball court. He is more than a coach. He is a mentor, advocate, and role model who has dedicated his career to helping young athletes grow into strong, disciplined, and resilient individuals. His influence isn’t measured by wins and losses, but by the countless lives he has shaped through his mentorship, leadership, and commitment to his players’ success on and off the court.

When asked how he wants to be remembered, Maunupau’s answer is simple: “I just want to be remembered as someone who gave back to the community.” From opening his home gym to players who want to train, to providing emotional support for students who need guidance, he has made it his mission to offer the same mentorship and opportunities that his own coaches and mentors once gave him.

His impact is rooted in the values instilled in him by his father, his mentor Pedro Velasco, and his wife, who has supported his passion for coaching through years of long hours and sacrifice. He hopes to pass those values down to his players, teaching them not just how to compete, but how to lead, how to handle challenges, and how to carry themselves with integrity.

Through his dedication to mental health, player development, and cultural values, Maunupau is leaving behind a program that doesn’t just produce great volleyball players, but great people. Whether his athletes go on to play at the collegiate level, enter the workforce, or pursue other passions, they leave his program with the tools to face life’s challenges with confidence, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

A Lasting Legacy

Coach Gabriel Maunupau’s influence goes well beyond volleyball. He is a mentor, educator, and advocate dedicated to shaping young athletes into resilient, disciplined, and well-rounded individuals. His commitment to mental and physical development, cultural values, and student advocacy has built a program centered on growth, accountability, and perseverance. Whether guiding his team through competition or supporting students through personal challenges, his impact extends far beyond the court.

As his players move forward in life, they will carry the lessons he instilled in them: work hard, adapt, stay humble, and always give back. More than any trophy or title, it is this philosophy that defines Coach Maunupau’s legacy: one of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to his athletes and community.

For more inspiring stories about coaches and athletes, check out these articles:

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