At Punahou, offseason rivals became championship teammates.

Under coach Matt Martinson, it didn't matter where you played in the offseason. Martinson's even-keeled approach fit well with a highly competitive, but obedient, collection of talent.

The starting point was easy enough. Midfielder Karli Look's versatility and unselfishness proved to be the anchor that kept the Buffanblu steady through a rough regular season—an Interscholastic League of Honolulu title. Look gave up a share of offensive responsibilities to shore up the defense, and the result was a state championship for Punahou.

Look was selected the Star-Bulletin girls soccer player of the year, and Martinson was named coach of the year.

“;Coach Matt was really supportive. If he saw a problem on the field, he wouldn't hesitate to step in,”; Look said.

Look, who will attend UH in the fall, was a pristine example of soccer excellence. Using her creativity and guile, the 5-foot-3 senior was rarely predictable. Deft footwork, outstanding speed and leadership on and off the field provided the program with a jack-of-all-trades general.

“;She's one of the hardest working players on the field,”; Martinson said. “;She has excellent ball skills and a very high work rate. She has the ability to shut down the best players on the opposite team.”;

Punahou was layered with talent from competing club teams such as Leahi and the Honolulu Bulls, as well as Abunai and Ka'oi.

“;Our team had really good chemistry,”; Look said. “;We got along and we're all friends. We didn't have any drama.”;

Martinson was pleased to find players willing to provide the right example.

“;Karli is very humble. She's a quiet leader and a lot of players look up to her work ethic,”; Martinson said.

Martinson's guidance was consistent, testing the potential of a squad that was quick, but not necessarily big. He had no hesitation about relying on Look, though she often faced taller, bigger foes.

“;As a sophomore, you could see her potential was high. I knew it was a matter of time before she'd gain that confidence. She had the speed and aggressiveness, and her skills caught up,”; he said.

Martinson's attention to detail extended beyond the field. During the state championships, he cautioned his team to get plenty of rest, even as the school's annual carnival was bustling. The Buffanblu heeded his warning and prevailed over Mililani, 2-1, in a shootout, for the crown.

“;We knew early on that we had to find our identity,”; Martinson said. “;Many players did not know each other very well, but quickly learned to trust one another and work as a team. We did not rely on a standout, but everyone did their part. This team was heralded by our staff as a very hard-working, passionate group of players. I'm very proud of them.”;