Connect with us

Basketball

TAITANO OFFICIALLY SIGNS LETTER TO JOIN VANGUARD LIONS

Academy Cougar senior Mia Taitano officially signed her letter of intent to play for Vanguard University.

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.

Mia signs her letter next to coach Jimmie Yi and principal Iris Gaza.

“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.

Mia takes a photo with mom Jean and dad Don to commemorate the signing event.

Ad

GPS Sports Calendar

June

July 2025

August
SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
Events for June

1st

Events for July

2nd

Events for July

3rd

Events for July

4th

Events for July

5th

6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Events for July

6th

Events for July

7th

Events for July

8th

Events for July

9th

Events for July

10th

Events for July

11th

Events for July

12th

13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Events for July

13th

Events for July

14th

Events for July

15th

Events for July

16th

Events for July

17th

Events for July

18th

Events for July

18th

No Events
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Events for July

19th

No Events
Events for July

20th

No Events
Events for July

21st

No Events
Events for July

22nd

No Events
Events for July

23rd

No Events
Events for July

24th

No Events
Events for July

25th

No Events
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Events for July

26th

No Events
Events for July

27th

No Events
Events for July

28th

No Events
Events for July

29th

No Events
Events for July

30th

No Events

COMING SOON …

FD Alumni Basketball Tournament Playoffs

 

QUICK HITS

Guam Volleyball Federation Referee Delegation for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Referees were able to certify in both Beach and Indoor Volleyball.
L-R: (front row) Kohl Laguna, Jay Cruz, Kadance Sablan, Jim Reyes, Logan Pangelinan; (back row) Jack, Hattig, Ray Mesngon, Joe Aquino, Chris Shepherd, PJ Pangelinan
————————————————–
Guam’s Jeremiah Camacho shot a perfect game at the 48th Hong Kong Open. The 22-year-old Guam National Team Member shot his 18th career perfect game on lanes 1 and 2 at Top Bowl Lanes in Hong Kong.

More in Basketball