Sharks Weekly: HPU Men’s Soccer Finds Strength in Chemistry, Senior Leadership

Hawai‘i Pacific University men’s soccer is finding its rhythm in PacWest play, with experienced leadership, team chemistry and a never-quit mentality helping the Sharks emerge as contenders in the conference race.

Head coach Chris Fisher joined Sharks Weekly alongside seniors Jackson Palladino and Kelly Takara to discuss the team’s development, its successful Southern California road trip and the importance of building relationships that extend beyond the field.

Through 11 matches, HPU held a 4-4-3 overall record and stood at 2-1-1 in conference play, sitting atop the PacWest standings with seven points at the time of the conversation.

For Fisher, the biggest difference has been the team’s resilience.

“We’re a team that doesn’t quit,” Fisher said, pointing to several matches in which the Sharks battled back from deficits to earn results — something he believes reflects the maturity of his senior-led roster.

That determination was especially evident during HPU’s four-match Southern California road trip, which included a victory over defending conference champion Point Loma and a comeback win against Vanguard.

Against Vanguard, the Sharks overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit despite playing their fourth match in eight days in temperatures reaching 103 degrees on the field.

For Takara, the performance reflected the group’s willingness to push through difficult circumstances together.

The senior forward has also continued to be a key contributor offensively after leading HPU with eight goals and four game-winners last season. While he maintains high individual expectations, Takara emphasized that the team’s success remains the priority.

Palladino, meanwhile, has made an impact from his outside back position, providing an attacking presence while maintaining his defensive responsibilities. Fisher credited him with the game-winning assist against Point Loma and another crucial attacking run against Vanguard.

After dealing with injuries last season, Palladino entered 2026 determined to remain healthy and available for his teammates.
Both players pointed to the relationships built away from competition as a major reason for HPU’s improvement.

With much of last year’s roster returning, the Sharks have developed a stronger connection through offseason activities, beach outings, pickleball tournaments and even team movie nights.

Fisher believes that camaraderie has translated directly into the team’s ability to respond when facing adversity.

As HPU turns its attention to the remaining conference schedule, Fisher is focused on taking advantage of a stretch of home matches rather than becoming distracted by the standings.

The Sharks have set their sights on finishing among the PacWest’s top four teams to qualify for the conference tournament, with hopes of eventually earning an NCAA postseason berth.

For Fisher, the formula remains centered on the same qualities that have carried HPU through the first half of the season — maturity, togetherness and a willingness to keep competing regardless of the circumstances.

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