What began in 2022 with three young officials learning the game from a different side of the volleyball court has reached an important milestone.

Kaulupono “Kaulu” Osorio, a junior at Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu who competes athletically for Hilo High School, was one of the original three members of the Moku O Keawe Junior Officials Program. Four years later, he has become the program’s first participant to earn the opportunity to serve as a line judge at the collegiate level.

In July 2026, Kaulu learned that he had been selected to line judge collegiate volleyball matches. His first assignment came during the 2026 Hawaiʻi-Alaska Challenge at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, placing him on the court alongside collegiate athletes and experienced officials.

For Kaulu, however, officiating has become about much more than making calls on a volleyball court.

“Officiating has definitely made me more confident,” Kaulu said. “At school, when I have to give a speech in front of everyone, I’m more comfortable being in front of a crowd. Officiating has taught me to be aware of what is happening around me, stay focused and be confident in the decisions I make.”

Those lessons are exactly what the Junior Officials Program was created to provide.

The program was rekindled in 2022 with just three young officials, including Kaulu. Entering the 2026-27 year, that number has grown to approximately 30 Junior Officials who are learning the responsibilities of officiating while developing leadership, confidence, communication and decision-making skills.

A Family Tradition

Kaulu loves volleyball, but his connection to the game goes much deeper. Volleyball is part of his family history.

His grandfather, Ecko Osorio, founded Pilipaʻa Volleyball Club on Hawaiʻi Island and was a longtime volleyball Coach at Waiākea High School. He currently serves as an assistant Coach with the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo women’s volleyball program.

After spending many years coaching and giving back to the sport, seeing his grandson standing on a college court as a line judge represents another chapter in a volleyball legacy that began long before Kaulu was born.

That legacy is also represented by the number Kaulu chooses to wear: No. 94.

The number honors his great-grandfather, Elroy Osorio, who lived to the age of 94. Elroy made his own mark on Hawaiʻi Island through public service, community involvement and volleyball. He served as a county councilman, held leadership roles with the Moku O Keawe Region of USA Volleyball and the PAVO board, and was also known as a talented singer.

For Kaulu, wearing No. 94 is a way of remembering his great-grandfather and carrying a piece of that family history with him.

“I wear 94 because my great-grandfather lived to be 94,” Kaulu said. “It reminds me of him and everything he accomplished, especially what he did for volleyball. It makes me want to continue that legacy.”

A Father’s Perspective

Kaulu’s connection to that family tradition was evident even when he was a young boy.

His father remembers helping create the youth branch of Pilipaʻa Volleyball in 2019 and asking a group of 7- to 10-year-olds why they wanted to play volleyball. He expected answers such as wanting to have fun or learning how to spike.

Kaulu’s answer was different.

“I play volleyball because of our family tradition,” he said, referring to the generations of his family involved in Hawaiʻi Island volleyball.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Kaulupono and everything he has accomplished and will accomplish on and off the volleyball court,” his father said. “He is not your typical 16-year-old.”

His father said Kaulu’s admiration for his great-grandfather Elroy has helped fuel his desire not only to excel as an athlete, but also to follow Elroy’s example as a community leader.

“Kaulu possesses unmatched maturity and confidence for someone his age,” he said. “He has lofty goals for himself, and it gives me chicken skin just thinking about his great-grandfather watching down from heaven as Kaulu makes all of us proud.”

He also credited Jennie Maikui for giving Kaulu the opportunity to grow as an official.

“I am so grateful for Jennie Maikui giving Kaulu the opportunity to officiate as much as he has,” he said. “She has done a great job training these young officials, and I cannot wait to see the fruits of her labor as these individuals move into larger roles in Moku O Keawe and BIIF volleyball.”

Earning the Opportunity

According to Jennie Maikui, who has helped train and mentor the Junior Officials, Kaulu did not receive the opportunity simply because he was one of the first members of the program.

He earned it.

“Kaulu was chosen because of his hard work and the way he handles himself on the court,” Maikui said. “He doesn’t waver and can effectively communicate the calls he is making on the court. That’s important for an official, especially when you are working at a higher level.”

That ability to remain composed, understand what is happening around him and confidently make a decision is one of the most important qualities an official can develop.

Kaulu’s accomplishment is also opening the door for the young officials coming behind him.

Two additional Junior Officials are currently training with the possibility of becoming collegiate line judges. The program also hopes to continue building a pathway closer to home by providing qualified Junior Officials with opportunities to advance into Big Island Interscholastic Federation high school volleyball.

“We want to continue creating opportunities for our Junior Officials,” Maikui said. “Kaulu is the first to reach this level, but the goal is for him not to be the last.”

From Three to Thirty

The Junior Officials Program continues to provide hands-on experience through tournaments and volleyball events throughout Hawaiʻi Island. During the 2026-27 season, participants will continue working events including the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo women’s volleyball tournament fundraiser, junior regional competition and preseason tournaments at Pāhoa High School and Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Campus.

Four years ago, Kaulu was one of three young people willing to pick up a flag, whistle or scoresheet and learn another side of the game they loved.

Today, there are approximately 30.

Kaulu has given those young officials something more than another number in the program’s growth. He has given them an example of where the opportunity can lead.

From a young Junior Official learning the game to standing on a collegiate volleyball court, Kaulu has become the first from the program to make that journey.

The goal is that he will not be the last.

And when Kaulu steps onto the court wearing No. 94, he represents more than the growth of the Junior Officials Program. He carries with him the influence of his grandfather, the memory of his great-grandfather and generations of a family connected to Hawaiʻi Island volleyball.

He is carrying forward a family legacy while beginning to create one of his own.

The Loʻi Collective Foundation continues to support the Moku O Keawe Junior Officials Program and its efforts to develop the next generation of volleyball officials. To learn more about the Junior Officials Program, visit www.theloicollective.org.

JVA recognizes and rewards Officials through the Officials’ Reward Program. Learn more here.

If you are interested in officiating volleyball, contact JVA Head Official Joseph O’Neal at officials@jvavolleyball.org

View more volleyball officiating resources.