L-R Baylei Furman, Justice Valdez, head coach Connor Artigue, Kalea Ajel
Sharks Weekly Season Premiere: Spotlight on HPU Women’s Soccer
HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED AUGUST 28, 2025
The 2025 season of Sharks Weekly kicks off with an inside look at the Hawai‘i Pacific University Women’s Soccer program. Hosted by Bailey Furman, HPU’s Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communications and Sports Information Director, the season premiere highlights the energy and excitement surrounding the Sharks this fall.
This week’s guests include new women’s soccer head coach Connor Artigue and senior team leaders Justice Valdez and Kalea Ajel. Together, they reflect on the team’s recent exhibition match against Division I South Dakota State, discuss the talented new coaching staff, and share how they’re preparing for the season ahead.
Coach Artigue outlines his vision for building a positive, competitive team culture grounded in togetherness, respect, and “we greater than me” mentality. Seniors Justice and Kalea also open up about their leadership roles, their academic pursuits in public health and psychology, and favorite memories from their time with the program.
The episode also explores the Sharks’ team bonding activities, their natural competitiveness, and strategies for their upcoming matches at Cal Poly Humboldt and beyond. Coach Artigue shares his enthusiasm for strengthening the team’s offensive play following a defense-focused exhibition debut, while the team looks ahead to a challenging three-game road trip and the highly competitive PacWest Conference schedule.
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