
By Robert Balajadia
Academy Cougar senior Mia Taitano had broke news about her commitment to join Vanguard University of Southern California, an NAIA D1 program last December. Taitano held a conference at the Academy of our Lady campus Monday afternoon to officially sign her letter of intent with coach Jimmy Yi, her parents and her Cougar teammates in attendance.
Taitano had visited the Vanguard Lions campus twice over the past year after taking a liking into their academics program on top of their athletic scholarship offer. Mia had gained Hall of Fame head coach Russ Davis interest after submitting film of her ability to play, but a 48-hour try out period while visiting the campus had only solidified their interest in the all-around talent of Taitano.
“I got to stay over and do a day-in-the-life for two days I like the community that they built. The girls that are my soon to be teammates were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They do have the major I want so that did play a big factor as well,” said Taitano, who plans to major in kineseology.
Taitano will have to adjust to her game to the collegiate level, but she feels her time playing at Academy under coach Yi will allow her to integrate into the college system at a faster rate given the brand of basketball the Vanguard Lions play.
“Academy style of play is pretty similar, move the ball in transition and fast paced so it might be an easier transition than most, but still, it’s played at a much faster pace.
Even with the college deal set in place before the start of her senior high school season, Mia isn’t planning on taking any nights off.
“There’s no plan of holding back. I owe it to my teammates and my coaches to play hard this season,” said Taitano.


GPS Sports Calendar
December 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for November
1st
ISA BOYS SOCCER
IIAAG GIRLS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for December
2nd
IRON LEGENDS THROWDOWN
ISA HS BASEBALL
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
Events for December
4th
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER
ISA BOYS SOCCER
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for December
5th
ISA HS BASEBALL
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
IIAAG GIRLS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for December
5th
Events for December
7th
ISA HS BASEBALL
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER PLAYOFFS
Events for December
9th
40th GRC PLUMERIA ROAD RACE
GUAM RUGBY INTERNATIONAL 7s TOURNAMENT
ISA HS BASEBALL
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
IIAAG GIRLS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for December
10th
TOUR OF GUAM 2023
GUAM RUGBY INTERNATIONAL 7s TOURNAMENT
Events for December
11th
ISA HS BASEBALL
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
Events for December
12th
ISA HS BASEBALL
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for December
12th
Events for December
14th
ISA HS BASEBALL
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER FINALS
Events for December
15th
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
IIAAG GIRLS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for December
16th
3rd GUAM NINJA CHAMPIONSHIP
ISA HS BASEBALL
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
Events for December
16th
Events for December
18th
IIAAG BOYS SOCCER ALL-ISLAND MEETING
Events for December
19th
ISA HS BASEBALL
ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL
Events for December
19th
Events for December
23rd
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
ISA HS BASEBALL FINALS
Events for December
23rd
Events for December
24th
Events for December
25th
Events for December
27th
Events for December
29th
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Events for December
30th

Basketball
FAMILIAR FOES TO MEET FOR HOOPS CROWN

Basketball
ISLANDERS AVENGE EARLY SEASON LOSS
COMING SOON …
- IIAAG Girls Basketball Playoffs
- True Grit Rugby Tournament
- IIAAG Boys Soccer Playoffs