Amphi senior forward Kayla Tuakalau has contributed significantly to memorable accomplishments with the Panther program, including being part of the first team to win a playoff game last season.
Amphi defeated Phoenix St. Mary’s 55-26 in the 4A play-in game in February and Tuakalau, who has started since her freshman season, had 11 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots in that game.
On Monday, Tuakalau basked in a personal achievement flanked by her teammates and coaches.
In the Panthers’ first game at the Inferno Invitational at Sunnyside, Tuakalau was only two points shy of 1,000 career points. She reached that mark on a long-range jumper in the first quarter against Sahuaro.
Play was stopped and her teammates and fans cheered for her memorable accomplishment.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Tuakalau said of reaching 1,000 points. “Honestly, I’ve probably thought about hitting 1,000 points since I was a freshman. Just seeing other girls being able to do it, that’s been one of my goals.”
Tuakalau, a 5-foot-11 forward who also plays volleyball, tennis and beach volleyball, has signed with Todd Holthaus’ program at Pima Community College.
Congratulations to Amphi senior forward Kayla Tuakalau for reaching 1,000 career points in the Panthers’ game earlier today against Sahuaro in the Inferno Invitational at Sunnyside. Tuakalau is bound for @PimaWBB. She is an athletic 5-foot-11 prospect who is talented on both… pic.twitter.com/1GN03pBtMX
— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) November 24, 2025
“It’s pretty great,” she said. “It hits different for me being one of the only siblings to go to college for a sport. It’s also something I’ve thought about since I was a freshman.
“Just something I thought I would be able to do, play in college and I’m glad I can do that and to further my education.”
Holthaus and his staff have told Tuakalau they like her first step off the dribble to the basket and her defensive ability.
She is now at 1,037 points in her career along with 788 rebounds and 478 blocked shots.
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