
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
July 2025
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for June
1st
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
2nd
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
3rd
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
4th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
5th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
6th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
7th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
8th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
9th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
10th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Events for July
18th
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- 26
Events for July
19th
Events for July
20th
Events for July
21st
Events for July
22nd
Events for July
23rd
Events for July
24th
Events for July
25th
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- 1
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Events for July
26th
Events for July
27th
Events for July
28th
Events for July
29th
Events for July
30th

Pacific Mini Games
RECAP OF XII PACIFIC MINI GAMES

Wrestling
SUSAKI SHARES OLYMPIC GOLD KNOWLEDGE

Pacific Mini Games
PACIFIC MINI GAMES COMES TO A CLOSE

Pacific Mini Games
KENT WINS 2ND GOLD OF MINI GAMES

Pacific Mini Games
SOFTBALL COMES UP BIG OVER PALAU 11-4

Pacific Mini Games
BADEN WINS GOLD #3 FOR GUAM IN 5K

Weightlifting
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST TO SHARE WRESTLING KNOWLEDGE

Volleyball
GUAHAN BOYS WIN NATIONAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
COMING SOON …
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament Playoffs