VA’A TEAMS LOOK TO UPSET FAVORITE ISLAND NATIONS

A preview of Team Guam heading to Palau for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games June 29 – July 9 amongst 24 island nations

By Patrick Lujan

Team Guam Va’a is a true representation of Guam’s paddling community, consisting of athletes from every member club of The Guam Kayak and Canoe Federation.

The big squad of 10 men and 10 women looks to face some stiff competition, most notably the host nation of Palau.

“We’re proud to have some of Guam’s most accomplished paddlers, who have represented our island regionally and internationally, joining forces with some of our promising high school paddlers,” said head coach Natalie Calvo. “It’s a distinct honor for me to represent Guam as the Team Va’a coach, especially in Palau, where I had the privilege of competing as an athlete back in 2010.”

The team was assembled in December, but while high school coaches and paddlers were dedicated to the Kareran Galaide season through April, the rest of the athletes continued training and competing with their clubs. It’s been full training since then.

“The GKCF’s Kareran Galaide high school paddling program continues to play a crucial role in nurturing talent for our Guam National Program. The tireless efforts of GKCF President Melanie Escobar and Vice-President JoAnn Chargualaf have been instrumental in preparing and qualifying our Team Guam Va’a,” Coach Calvo added. “Guam truly has a passion for va’a and incredible talent within the sport. Everything learned and experienced during the qualifications and preparations for the recent Pacific Mini Games competition provides an excellent foundation for the Team Guam training program leading up to Tahiti 2027.”

“I’m really looking forward to being back in Belau waters but on a bigger stage and sharing the water with islands we don’t normally get to compete against besides at world championships,” said V1 athlete Kia Quichocho.

With a GNOC approach of having 50% of competing teams from Guam be 19-years-or-below, the chemistry of young and old is crucial to the success on the waters.

“We encourage our nationally experienced paddlers to guide the younger ones, helping close the skill gap as a united team, ” said Melanie Escobar, Guam Kayak and Canoe President and team coach.

The 5-day Va’a events begin on on Monday, June 30th and concludes on July 4th.

TEAM GUAM ROSTER

Men’s

John Benavente
Malakai Chargualaf
Aidan Artero
John Wesolowski, Jr.
Matua Nowell
Tabaaha Yellowhorse
Kelvin Hocog
Dominic Wesolowski
Troy Andrew
Ryder Cotelesse

Women’s

Kamea Alston
Rosie Fritz
Liana Heflin
Berncie Lizama
Sara Rekdahl
Miriam Terlaje
Andrea Torres
Kadyn Weibling
Ha’ani Nowell
Kia Quichocho

Head Coach: Natalie Calvo

Managers: Melanie Escobar, Ryan Raguindin