Young football players in Hawaii received an exceptional opportunity on February 8, 2025, when Drake Maye, quarterback for the New England Patriots, hosted a free clinic at Julian R. Yates Field in Kona. The event, organized by Hawaii football legend Rich Miano in collaboration with SAP (Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing), attracted around 50 aspiring quarterbacks and wide receivers from the Big Island.
Maye, who recently concluded a remarkable sophomore season in the NFL, took time from his vacation on the Kohala Coast to engage with the local youth. His impressive season included 4,815 total yards, 35 touchdowns, and a league-leading completion percentage of 72%. This performance earned him recognition as a Second Team All-Pro and positioned him as a runner-up in the league MVP voting.
Empowering the Next Generation
The clinic, held for approximately an hour and a half, focused on teaching fundamental skills and techniques. As he addressed the campers, Maye expressed his enthusiasm for the experience. “I wish I could be here every day, man,” he remarked, highlighting his appreciation for the island. “The biggest thing here is for you guys to learn something today. Any questions you guys want to ask, I’m here.”
Participants included not only boys but also three girls from Konawaena’s flag football team: Ki‘ilei Leleiwi, Kylie Denis, and Vaihere Alani. Maye’s decision to invite these young athletes mirrored his commitment to inclusivity in sports.
Coaching alongside Maye were several notable figures, including former NFL wide receiver John Ursua and other local high school coaches. The group split into quarterbacks and wide receivers, with Maye providing hands-on instruction. He guided the quarterbacks through warm-up drills, red zone throws, and advanced route techniques, ensuring each participant received individualized attention.
Building Skills with Positivity
Attendees such as Keenan Alani from Kona and Hayden Kalama from Hawaii Preparatory Academy benefitted from Maye’s expertise. He emphasized essential techniques such as footwork, throwing motion, and proper weight transfer. The experience proved invaluable for the young athletes, many of whom aspire to play at higher levels.
“It’s amazing when you watch Maye work with the kids in terms of how positive he is,” Miano noted, praising the quarterback’s ability to connect with participants. “The positivity and patience that flows from him is just super.” Maye’s encouragement was evident as he praised each camper for their efforts, fostering a supportive atmosphere.
The event concluded with a group photo and each camper receiving a Patriots mini helmet signed by Maye, along with a drawstring bag. Miano expressed his hopes for similar events in the future, stating, “What better way to give back to the Big Island, Oahu, or Maui than to host a free clinic with these superstar athletes? It’s a huge win for the state of Hawaii.”
This clinic is part of a broader initiative by SAP, which has previously collaborated with other NFL stars like Josh Allen and Derrick Henry to conduct similar events in Hawaii. The goal is to continue providing these unique opportunities for young athletes in the region, ensuring they have access to the skills and knowledge that can inspire their football journeys.
