May Ann Beamer has served up a successful tennis program, with 14 Oahu Interscholastic Association titles in 23 years at Mililani.

Beamer employs the simple yet effective mantra: "School comes first, and the team comes next; not the individual player." She goes on to explain that "what is good for the team is what I look for, then the individual. So, I try to put my players in positions that best help the team."

When Kimberly Takara entered the Trojans’ tennis program as a freshman in 2009, Beamer knew she had a special talent. The only question was how to manage that talent in a way that both the team and player could improve and be successful.

Takara competed at the junior varsity level her first year in the program, but was soon promoted to the varsity, where she played doubles, finishing fourth in the Oahu Interscholastic Association. As a sophomore, Takara paired with teammate Melissa Monette to claim the OIA doubles championship.

"She’s recognized not only as a good player, but a very good line caller," said Beamer. "She’s very enthusiastic, and a great sport."

After Takara spent the first two years in doubles, Beamer moved her to singles competition. The shift was done to help Takara improve her overall tennis game.

"I had singles players, and she (showed potential to be) our best all-around player, so I had her play doubles," said Beamer of the strategic decision made when Takara was a freshman. "Also, the doubles helped her net game."

While she looks forward to challenging some of the league’s best players, Takara concedes there is a certain degree of difficulty added when playing singles.

"Playing singles is very tough and the competition is fierce, so I have to work extremely hard to compete with the top players in the state," Takara said. "I can only hope that my hard work pays off and that I get great results."

And unlike many young athletes who might not have agreed to start off playing doubles and transition into singles, Takara has shown respect for her coach’s choice and overall dedication to improving her game.

"She doesn’t have any prima donna in her, and she never complains, never squawks," Beamer said. "She plays with anyone she’s asked to, and is very well respected."

Sticking with the team-first concept, Takara’s goals center on helping her squad attain the team championship for a fourth consecutive season.

"Mililani has always done well in the OIAs, and I would like to see our team continue to make Mililani proud of us," Takara said. "I would like to see our whole team qualify for states, and do well at states, too. My personal goal is to work hard, put in 110 percent effort in all I do, and hope for the best results in OIAs and states."

And, while playing singles may seem like the ultimate "man on an island" activity, where individual talent and effort reign supreme, Takara involves her teammates by working to make those around her better. Whether it’s sharing experiences gained while playing in the Honolulu Tennis League or multiple singles tournaments throughout the year, Takara puts her team first.

"I try my hardest so that we can all work to make each other better," Takara said. "Being a team player involves a lot, even if you are playing singles. We all have to try to work hard and try to push each other. I have been working with great coaches. The Beamers (including May Ann’s son Alika) have taught me how to be a team player. Being able to get great results requires a team effort between player and coach, and I think that they have taught me well."

Takara hopes to continue her tennis career at a local university as her sister Audra did at Chaminade.

"All around, she’s a really good prospect," Beamer said. "She’s a super girl."