By Barry Villamil | MyPearlCity.com
I recently had the honor of interviewing Pearl City High School’s award-winning air riflery shooter Jenna Liang at the school’s shooting range. Jenna is a proud graduate of the PCHS Class of 2026 and was just recognized with the Pearl City High School Air Riflery “ Most Inspirational” Athlete Award.
Photo courtesy of Jenna Liang
Jenna has a busy and exciting summer schedule ahead that includes beginning her college studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a trip to compete with several decorated PCHS Air Riflery teammates at the 2026 CMP Air Riflery National Championships held at Camp Perry, Ohio, from June 19–20.
Our interview began with a look back at Jenna’s four years as one of PCHS’s top shooters, highlighted by her role as team captain during her senior year with the Lady Chargers Air Riflery team. Throughout her career, Jenna has won or placed second multiple times in both Oahu Interscholastic Association and Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Championship Individual and Team Championships. She is also a member of the Lady Chargers HHSAA State Air Riflery Team 3-Peat Champions (2022, 203, 2024).
Lester Aranaydo, Head Coach, Pearl City Chargers Air Riflery
“Jenna’s story began after she missed a volleyball tryout. She then decided to try air riflery, but missed that tryout as well. Her sister, Janelle, who had been on the air riflery team several years earlier, encouraged her to call me and ask for a chance. Jenna promised she would train hard and do well, so I agreed to accept her on the team. Over the next four years, she kept that promise and became Pearl City’s top shooter, contributing to several OIA and HHSAA state titles. She also earned numerous medals and recognition awards in the sport. It was her fate to be on the girls’ air riflery team, and I’m glad I believed she could become a great shooter. I’m proud to have coached Jenna.”
Nationally, Jenna has excelled as well, earning first-place titles at the Civilian Marksman Program (CMP) National Championships and the National Rifle Association of America Championships. She is one of three Hawaii shooters since 1901 to win the prestigious CMP Distinguished Badge.
Lester Aranaydo, Head Coach, Pearl City Chargers Air Riflery
“Jenna is only the third shooter from Hawaii to receive this prestigious award. The CMP Award dates back to 1901, and she earned competition points through CMP-sponsored or recognized championships, including the HHSAA State Air Riflery Championship. Jenna performed exceptionally well, earning placement medals in postseason local, regional, and national competitions. Her scores helped Pearl City go undefeated in dual matches, win OIA team championships, capture three consecutive HHSAA titles, and finish as state runner-up in another season during her four years with the team.”
Jenna, along with teammates Chloe Obuhanych, Calie Yoda, and Rayna Narikiyo will travel to Camp David in Ohio to compete at the 2026 CMP Air Riflery Championship scheduled for June 19-20. Teammate Chloe Obuhanych was recently inducted into the 2026 Hawaii High School Athletics Association Hall of Honor as a three-sport championship student athlete. Chloe also captured the 2024 HHSAA State Air Riflery Girls Individual Championship Title.
Jenna wanted to thank her coaches; Coach Lester Aranaydo, Coach Lelan Arananydo, Coach Gordon Aihara, and Coach Shareen Aranaydo for all their support and believing in her throughout her career as a decorated Pearl City Charger top shooter. Also, thanked her teammates, family and friends for their support.
Congratulations and Good Luck at the 2026 Air Riflery National Championships which begin tomorrow through June 20.
Video links by Barry Villamil | MyPearlCity.com
Photos Barry Villamil | MyPearlCity.com, Jenna Liang, Coach Lester Aranaydo
VIDEO INTERVIEW LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/100000915852074/videos/pcb.36820749837538748/1800247870948436
https://www.facebook.com/100000915852074/videos/pcb.36820749837538748/854320937750135
https://www.facebook.com/100000915852074/videos/pcb.36820749837538748/1666225294446793
https://www.facebook.com/100000915852074/videos/1484458440099642/
https://www.facebook.com/100000915852074/videos/pcb.36820749837538748/1745840426595023
Photo courtesy of Jenna Liang
Photo courtesy of Coach Lester Aranaydo
Photo courtesy of Coach Lester Aranaydo
Photo courtesy of Coach Lester Aranaydo
Photo by Barry Villamil | MyPearlCity.com