STAR-BULLETIN FILE PHOTO/2001
Arlene Devitt didn't play soccer in her senior year of high school, but still set three freshmen records for the Wahine.
Arlene Devitt arrived on the collegiate soccer scene in the fall of 2000 and immediately stamped herself as a goal-scoring threat by netting two in each of Hawaii's first two matches. UH’s Devitt can’t be
thrown off her gameBy Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.comThe striker from Kapaa High School was no longer a secret. She quickly drew the attention of opposing defenders drawing double- and triple-team coverage. That did not stop her from setting freshman records for goals (7) and points (17), while leading the Wahine in shots (41).
Opponents tried using hard physical tactics to throw Devitt off her game. At times it worked. Devitt didn't hesitate to play a physical style herself, but often that was perceived as retaliation and the yellow and red cards followed. She also had no qualms about "discussing" decisions with the center referee.
Too many of those cards and a player ends up sitting out matches. Devitt missed six matches that year because of those transgressions.
"It was something I had to work on," she said. "I realized there was no sense arguing. Now, I just blow them kisses."
A soccer player since age 6, Devitt also lettered in cross country, basketball and volleyball for the Kapaa Warriors. She was selected to the Olympic Development Program Region IV pool after her junior season and toured Germany with the region team.
Two days after returning from Europe she was involved in a motorcycle accident, suffered an ACL injury to her right leg and missed playing soccer her senior year at Kapaa.
Recruited by California, Stanford, New Mexico, San Diego State and Purdue, she made recruiting trips to Cal and UNM, but decided to remain in Hawaii.
"I kind of wanted to stay home. I have no regrets about the decision," Devitt said.
Hawaii coach Pinsoom Tenzing said, "She has grown up quite a bit. It's just someone getting a chance and making the most of it. Arlene is a leader on this team and I'm pleased with her development as an individual.
"She came here as a complete player and she knows her weaknesses. She feels to play at the highest level she lacks a little speed, but I tend to disagree with that. She has a willingness to share the ball, to pass and now we have kids running into open space to take advantage of that."
Seven matches into her junior season, Devitt is UH's all-time leader in shots (143), goals (24) and points (57). By the end of next year future Wahine trying to surpass her career totals should have quite a challenge.
"We all have goals and my personal goal is to not get any yellow or red cards," said Devitt. "I don't worry about records. I could care less about being the leading goal scorer. It's an honor, but not my priority, I just worry about making sure my passing is fine.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win. And, why should I dribble when there are three people on me? I should pass. Why should I be a hog cheese?
Playing on a right ankle injured in the exhibition against Douglas College, Aug. 22, Devitt has had to convince Tenzing she can still play even though her practice time is limited.
"The ankle limits her mobility and she has been doing everything with her left foot. I think it affects her most on defense," said Tenzing.
Devitt said, "You see all those NFL guys playing hurt. That's awesome. I don't want to sit on the bench."
A sociology major, Devitt isn't sure what she will do after graduation, but she would like a shot at professional ball.
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