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Treschuk’s career
takes time

Kenji Treschuk took a year off before heading to the mainland to enter Penn State after graduating from Moanalua High School. He spent the time improving his soccer skills with the Honolulu Bulls and earning 15 credits in basic courses at Kapiolani Community College.

The wait was worth it. He played in 81 matches for the Nittany Lions and just graduated with a major in psychology and a minor in kinesiology.

"It was kind of delayed gratification. If I had gone right out of high school I wasn't as polished as a player. I wouldn't have reached the level I did," said Treschuk. "My goal was to play for a Division I team that had a chance to play for the national championship. I trained for a year to do that.

"It all paid off. I learned a lot more about soccer, played just about every position and feel I was able to go wherever the coach wanted me to play."

Treschuk thinks his versatility will be a plus when he tries to continue his career as a professional. He knows it would be tough to get into Major League Soccer, but would like to explore opportunities in the A-League. He and Jordan Inouye (Seattle University) hope the second option is available with the Seattle Sounders.

Andrew Brown completed his career at 14-4-1 Creighton by starting 12 matches in the goal for the Bluejays. The Mililani graduate allowed 13 balls to hit the nets in 953 minutes for a 1.23 goals against average.

Creighton was ousted from the NCAA tournament by Maryland in the second round on penalty kicks.

Kealii Kuehu, a Castle graduate, did not play as much as he would have liked or as much as Saint Mary's coach Steve Rammel thought might be the case.

"It wasn't due to anything Kealii did wrong or didn't do. He had a good spring and preseason, probably the best since he came here," Rammel said.

"We brought in another keeper to replace one that graduated and he did a good job and ended up beating out Kealii for the starting role. We were lucky this year in having two quality keepers.

"Kealii was one of the best leaders we have had. He supported and helped the young keepers. He actually coached them through some things. When our staff had questions or issues, he was one of the first ones we would go to.

"Kealii continued to be a good example in his work rate, success, willingness to get better, push others and lead. He is actually coaching in a local high school with one of our former players and may have a career in coaching."

In two seasons with the Gaels sandwiched around a redshirt year, Kuehu played eight matches in the goal, made 30 saves in 451 minutes of action, had a 1.60 goals-against average and shared one shutout with starter Brian Mason this past fall.

Mihana Diaz was named the Most Outstanding Pioneer by a vote of her Lewis & Clark College teammates.

The award is for a player that exemplifies those traits that make an outstanding pioneer in the most traditional sense.

Diaz played in 10 matches and had one assist. The Hawaii Prep grad missed 12 matches with a stress fracture.