Just For Kicks
A few tips to have
the Wahine readyTHE Hawaii Rainbow Wahine soccer team began spring practice recently in preparation for the fall season.
This team has the majority of its players returning, a lot of talent and almost no positions for the coaches to fill when determining a starting lineup. There should be solid reserves backing up the starters.
Do not be surprised if the Western Athletic Conference coaches pick the Wahine to win the conference title this year.
But, will the Wahine be ready? That is a question that won't be answered until November. In the meantime here are some thoughts and ideas for them to consider that just might enhance their chances for a successful season.
You practice and play on two excellent fields that provide the opportunity for quality soccer. It is easy to be spoiled playing on these pitches.
With that said, you know no mainland field comes close to matching the UH practice field or Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park. Accept that fact. Don't make excuses. Before you leave on a trip, bring the sidelines in at UH so you get used to a narrow field. Make it shorter if that's what you expect to deal with on the mainland.
Try using a field (Kapiolani Park comes to mind) that does not resemble a velvet pool table to practice on for a couple of days. Get used to bumps and other irregularities.
The 2002 Wahine were young. Most of the starters were freshmen or sophomores. You've had one or two years to mature, to realize being a student-athlete requires a lot of hard work and dedication. If you're not making the most of a free education, you will regret it. If you're not focused on soccer, team soccer when you should be, you will regret it. Please, no picking up a cell phone during a game to call someone. That is not focus.
After you flamed out in last year's WAC tournament, the Rice Web site story said 350 raucous fans provided support for the Owls. Your coach told me the Rice fans had some uncomplimentary chants directed at his players.
Gosh, what a surprise? I'm sure you weren't expecting the same atmosphere in Houston that you bask in from the 700 to 1,400 supportative fans that attend your home games. That's the road. The best way to quiet opposing fans is to score goals.
Consider these thoughts a challenge because the Rainbow Wahine soccer program has the potential in the coming season to receive recognition at the national level.
Commitments
Richard Higa, a midfielder for Mid-Pacific, signed a letter of intent to play for Massachusetts. He also had interest from Northwestern and Portland.
"The main thing was I have family up there. I really want to see the world. I don't want to stay on this island. I want to explore a different environment," said Higa. "UMass has won the Atlantic-10 Conference title the last two years and their attacking midfielder is a senior."
Two members of Mililani's state runner-up girls' team have made their choices.
Jennifer Loo will take her midfield talents to Idaho State, the reigning Big Sky Conference titleholder.
Liane Tom, a striker for the Trojans, has signed with the Boise State Broncos, where she probably will move to an outside midfield position.
UH Athletics
Just for Kicks runs every other Sunday in the Star-Bulletin.Al Chase can be reached at achase@starbulletin.com