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Just For Kicks Al Chase |
Nishimoto returns
with a bang
BETHANY Nishimoto had not played soccer since the seventh grade when some players on the Dordt College varsity encouraged her to try out.They saw Nishimoto play intramurals and thought the freshman striker could help a team that was 10-10 in 2001.
"I realized how much I missed soccer. I tried out, but it's not a big thing because everyone who tried out (in 2002) made the team," said Nishimoto, a Hanalani graduate who played volleyball and basketball as a prep. "We're a small school (1,400 students)."
Was she apprehensive about returning to a sport she hadn't played in five years?
"I was just worried about remembering how to play, what the rules were. It is so different from seventh grade," said Nishimoto, who will graduate in May with a degree in exercise science and physical therapy.
She started out with a bang, being named the NAIA National Player of the Week early in her sophomore season. She has been an integral part of the Lady Defenders' 39-18-2 record during the last three seasons.
"What opponents worry most about with Bethany is the quickness of her feet. While she has explosive speed, her ability to move with the ball gives defenders on opposing teams fits. She releases shots with accuracy and speed that catches opponents off guard," said Dordt coach Bill Elgersma, in his third season guiding the Lady Defenders.
"What makes her stand out for me is the unselfish level of play she exhibits. Her relentless pursuit of opponents forces them to turn over the ball, and she has a sense of timing and game savvy that permits her to take the shot or distribute the ball as necessary."
Nishimoto is fourth on the Dordt (Sioux Center, Iowa) all-time list for goals (34) and points (83) and is ninth in assists (15). This year she has more assists (9) than goals (8) and is second in points with 25.
Her parents wanted Nishimoto to attend Dordt because it is a strong Christian school with strong academics. Elgersma couldn't be happier with that choice and Nishimoto's decision to give soccer another try.
"Most importantly, what Bethany brings to our team is a spirit of energy and vitality. She loves to laugh, and she has a youthful presence that makes our training sessions enjoyable. While she works hard, she also plays hard. For an athlete of her caliber, others might expect her to be so focused that she loses her character and this is simply not the case. She leads by example both on and off the field," Elgersma said.
Nishimoto also is taking emergency medical technician classes and is considering working in that field for a couple of years before pursuing a masters degree.
"It has been so enjoyable here. Coach makes the game a lot of fun, but he challenges us," said Nishimoto. "I've had to play in snow and freezing rain and that is torture. But, sledding is fun and the people here are great."
Conference honors
Bethel College (Mishawaka, Ind.) strikers Lisa Franke and JoBette Nabarro were named to the All-Mid-Central College Conference 2004 first team.Franke played prep soccer at Kealakehe and Nabarro was a standout at Waiakea.
Just for Kicks runs every other Sunday in the Star-Bulletin.
Al Chase can be reached at achase@starbulletin.com