The Ma’ake Family Legacy

Written by Inez Odom, OLP Strategic Initiatives and Research Director

One of the most striking aspects of spending time with the Ma’ake family is the sound of laughter. When they are together, laughter abounds. Ms. Stefini Ma’ake ’98, Chair of the Science department at OLP, is clearly an intensely scholarly person when it comes to the study of science and biology in particular. She blends a very grounded demeanor with a warmth and approachability with which students deeply resonate. She credits her love of science to her OLP science teacher, Mark Rauch, in whose shoes she has followed. Fifteen years later, her presence as a faculty member at OLP is one of the defining qualities of the school. Her nieces have followed in her footsteps, joining OLP as students.

When you speak with the younger Stefini Ma’ake ’24, her love of OLP and softball shine through and Alayna Ma’ake ’25 brings her own enthusiasm and authentic joy when talking about the sport. As athletes they have devoted an extraordinary amount of time to training, practice and game play. It is clear that Stefini and Alayna care deeply about their teams and are never happier than when out on the softball field. This past summer, Stefini won the Alliance National Championship Homerun Derby in Indiana with her travel club team. Stefini currently plays for one of the Top 18 U travel teams and Alayna currently plays for one of the Top 16 U travel teams in the nation, both teams are based out of Corona, California.

Their enthusiasm for softball is only outpaced by their feelings for OLP. From pep rallies to “Community Day,” the OLP school culture helps both Alayna and Stefini be the best versions of themselves. Each of them celebrates being part of a school community where students are encouraged to develop meaningful connections to their teachers to help them learn and develop. While OLP is a rigorous academic environment, it is also one replete with laughter and fellowship. Alayna and Stefini are proud members of the community, surrounded by friends, and conscious of the role they play in the community to care for others through their words and deeds.

As Ms. Ma’ake ’98 reflects on the traditions of OLP during her student days, she shares her appreciation of “the OLP of today” a notably different landscape where frosh, sophomores, juniors and seniors can interact inside and outside of the classroom in clubs, sports, the arts and in service to the dear neighbor. With a rich history of one hundred and forty years, clearly some of the traditions and courses may have changed, however the heart of OLP, inclusive of our legacy families, has remained the same.

We invite you to tune into OLP’s Pilot Voices podcast to hear from the Ma’ake family firsthand.

Stefini Ma’ake ( Pitcher/1st/SS) in 30 games played

Batting Avg. = 0.444

Homeruns = 13 (Ranked 2nd in San Diego)

Slugging % = 1.051 (Top 10 in San Diego)

RBI = 46 (Ranked 3rd in SD)

Runs = 38 (Rank 19 SD)

Pitching Stats:

ERA = 2.47 (Top 20 in SD)

Strikeouts = 143 in 93 innings (Rank 15 in SD)

Alayna Ma’ake (Outfield/3rd) in 30 games played

Batting Avg - 0.545 (Rank 22 SD)

Homeruns = 6 (Rank 17 SD)

Slugging % = 0.845 (Rank 35 in SD)

RBI = 44 (Rank 5th in SD)

OBP = 0.63 (Rank 18 in SD)

Stolen Bases = 22