New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye recently hosted a football clinic for local youth at Konawaena High School in Kona, Hawaii. The event, organized by Hawaii football icon Rich Miano in collaboration with Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP), provided an exclusive opportunity for young players to learn from a rising NFL star. The clinic attracted local high school athletes, offering them a chance to enhance their skills while being mentored by an accomplished professional.
Empowering Young Athletes
During the clinic, which took place on February 6, 2025, Maye engaged with approximately 50 young quarterbacks and wide receivers, as well as three female flag football players. While enjoying his vacation on the Kohala Coast, the 23-year-old NFL player dedicated an hour and a half to sharing his expertise with the campers. “I wish I could be here every day, man,” Maye remarked, appreciating the vibrant atmosphere of the island. “The biggest thing here is for you guys to learn something today. Any questions you guys want to ask, I’m here.”
Maye’s impressive performance in the 2025 NFL season set him apart as one of the league’s brightest talents. He concluded the season with a remarkable record, amassing 4,815 total yards, 35 total touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. His completion rate of 72% and yards per attempt of 8.9 not only earned him a spot on the AP All-Pro Second Team but also secured him the runner-up position in the league MVP voting, narrowly losing to Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams. The Patriots finished with a 14-3 record, clinching the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs and advancing to the Super Bowl on February 8, where they faced the Seattle Seahawks.
A Unique Learning Experience
The clinic offered a rare chance for young athletes to receive guidance from a player who has demonstrated a profound understanding of the game. Maye emphasized the importance of soaking in knowledge from seasoned athletes, stating, “Playing at the highest level, I always try to soak it in and try to do whatever I can to get an extra edge, or try to learn something from somebody older than me. I hope you guys can learn something today.”
Maye worked closely with the quarterbacks, focusing on various techniques such as footwork, throwing mechanics, and proper weight transfer. He also observed the receivers as they practiced their routes, providing them with constructive feedback and demonstrating his own throwing abilities. Coaches assisting Maye included former NFL wide receiver John Ursua, former Kahuku head coach Sterling Carvalho, and Konawaena’s head coach Brad Uemoto, among others.
As the clinic progressed, it was evident that Maye’s positive demeanor had a significant impact on the campers. According to Miano, “It’s amazing when you watch [Maye] work with the kids in terms of how positive he is. He’s great at remembering everyone’s name. The positivity and patience that flows from him is just super.”
At the end of the clinic, each camper received a mini Patriots helmet signed by Maye and a drawstring bag as mementos of the experience. The event underscored SAP’s commitment to fostering local talent in Hawaii, building on previous clinics that featured NFL stars such as Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, and Sam Darnold.
Miano expressed the importance of such initiatives, 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. It’s just as impactful for people like myself to be able to give back to local football players. Having guys like Drake for these things is just tremendous.”
For more details and photos from the event, readers can refer to page B2 of today’s edition.
