When say I work for the Honolulu Advertiser sports department, no one's ever surprised.

They must think this kind of stuff runs in my blood!

But I never really considered a career in sports journalism until three years ago, when Stephen Tsai recommended me and Curtis Murayama said he saw potential in me.

When I say I work for the Honolulu Advertiser sports department, I say it with joy.

It's been almost non-stop fun and laughter with baseball coaches who aren't sure if bunts are hits, basketball managers who want to put shout outs in the paper, tailgates, late night specials at Yanagi's, learning about the best places to eat and how (not) to cheat at golf, and taking prep soccer results from Chester Chee (our honorary clerk)!

When I say I work for the Honolulu Advertiser sports department, I say it with love. Love for local prep sports, UH athletics, "small college" sports, covering my family and friends in the sports community, and being the best resource for Hawai'i's sports fans. Most importantly, though, love for clerks Sarah and Seryna (and Kalani!), and the best group of people I could have hoped to share these unforgettable experiences — and grow up —with.

And although it saddens me that I may not be able to say that I work for the Honolulu Advertiser sports department anymore, when I say that I did, I will always say it with pride. Mahalo!