Minutes after pitching her third straight shutout to help Kamehameha win the 2008 softball state championship, senior Amber Waracka said, "I'm so happy, I feel like I should be a motivational speaker."

Promise of that "second career" began soon after, as she reportedly was asked to speak at a middle school athletic banquet and then to a youth softball team.

No doubt, Waracka has quite a story to tell.

She went from not even making her school's intermediate team in the seventh grade to 2008 Advertiser State Player of the Year, after a recent vote of coaches and members of the media.

The journey was highlighted by a spectacular state tournament performance, in which Waracka pitched three complete games and allowed only 11 hits with 44 strikeouts and four walks in 24 innings. It included a 10-inning, 15-strikeout 1-0 victory over Moanalua in the quarterfinals; a two-hit, 18-strikeout 1-0 win over Campbell in the semifinals; and a four-hit, nine-strikeout 3-0 triumph over Mililani for Kamehameha's first state title since 2002.

The final weekend capped a brilliant season in which Waracka went 14-1, with a 0.26 earned run average and 161 strikeouts against only 12 walks.

She began the year fittingly with a five-inning no-hitter with six strikeouts against Maryknoll in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu opener. Waracka followed that with a one-hitter with 12 strikeouts against Sacred Hearts, a two-hitter against 'Iolani and a four-hitter with 16 K's vs. St. Francis.

She later pitched a two-hitter with 16 strikeouts against Sacred Hearts, a two-hitter with eight K's vs. 'Iolani, an 11-strikeout win over Pac-Five and a two-hitter with six K's against Mid-Pacific.

Kamehameha, which finished 16-1 in the regular and postseason, and Mililani (16-2) led the way on The Advertiser's All-State first team with four selections each.

The Warriors placed Waracka, first baseman Jamie Millwood, third baseman Dara Pagaduan and outfielder Shaleese Javillo. Mililani was represented by second baseman Kristi Oshiro, shortstop Courtney Senas, outfielder Jaimee Aiwohi and pitcher Makani Duhaylonsod.

O'ahu Interscholastic Association runner-up Campbell had two first teamers: catcher Anuhea Yamaguchi and utility player Breanne Patton.

Kapolei outfielder Ka'ili Smith, 'Iolani catcher Kai Masutani and Moanalua pitcher Sarah Robinson round out the first team.

Millwood, a sophomore, batted a whopping .617, with six doubles, two triples, two home runs and 21 runs batted in. Pagaduan, a four-year starter, batted .283 despite a late start coming off a state championship soccer season and provided solid defense and leadership down the stretch.

She moved to the leadoff spot in the state title game and scored two of the game's three runs.

Javillo, a senior, batted .440 with one home run and 14 RBIs and also provided steady defense and senior leadership.

Oshiro, a sophomore, showed a stellar glove at second base and batted .426 in the regular and postseason, with 13 RBIs. Senas — another sophomore — hit .463, with nine doubles, two triples, three home runs and 29 RBIs. She went 4 for 4 with two home runs and eight RBIs in a state quarterfinal victory over Maryknoll.

Aiwohi, a junior, batted .400 with three doubles, a triple and three stolen bases in addition to providing reliable defense in center field.

Duhaylonsod capped a stellar four-year career by going 14-2, with a 1.19 ERA and 75 strikeouts.

Yamaguchi and Patton were senior leaders for Campbell, helping the Sabers take second place in the OIA and third in the state tournament. Yamaguchi displayed athletic play at catcher and had a big role in holding base runners.

Patton was an ace pitcher and No. 3 batter who came up with several clutch performances, including three state tournament victories.

Smith, a four-time Advertiser All-State first-team selection, was one of Hawai'i's top "five-tool" players with her ability to hit, hit for power, run the bases, make plays in center field and strong throws to the infield.

Masutani, a senior, was a defensive and offensive leader for 'Iolani, which went 7-7 in the ILH despite a coaching change and heavy losses to graduation. She batted .417 and threw out 11 potential base stealers.

Robinson, a senior who was the OIA East Player of the Year, was the state's top strikeout pitcher, notching eight games with at least 10 Ks. She went 20-3 overall with a 1.18 ERA and 192 strikeouts, including 19 in one game.

Kamehameha's Randy Tamura was named Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm.