Eyes on the goal, Team Leahi wins National Presidents Cup

By Caitlyn Resurreccion

[email protected]

(Photo courtesy of Chaylyn Navares (10)) Fresh off their victory, the players and coaches of Team Leahi take a moment to celebrate their newly awarded Presidents Cup on July 12 in the overland soccer complex in Overland, Kan.

From June 9 to July 12, Sophomores Gabrielle Hackbarth, Chaylyn Navares, Dayna Nishimura and Karlin Wurlitzer of Leahi 00 Premier soccer team traveled thousands of miles from Hawaii to Washington to Kansas to compete in the US Youth Soccer tournament. After over a month’s worth of relentless training and finals matches, they were crowned both West Regional and National Champions and awarded the 2015 Under-15 Girls Presidents Cup.

“It was unrealistic and surreal. We just won the national championship which is pretty weird for a Hawaii team to do. So that was pretty good,” said Hackbarth.

The US Youth Soccer Tournament started on June 9 and lasted a total of five days. This section of the tournament was held in Snohomish, Wash. and determined the West Regional Champion that would move on to nationals in Kansas. Leahi faced Real Colorado Red (Co) for their Regional final match. Leahi’s Ciana Rivera would score just 10 minutes into the game. But just before halftime, a goal from Real Colorado would tie the game 1-1. However, Leahi’s Chelsie De Ponte readied herself and fired a shot to the back of the net at the 53rd minute, putting the final score at 2-1 and catapulting Leahi to the National Presidents Cup held in Kansas. “(The team) knew when the ref blew the final whistle. We were playing in Kansas and we felt pretty excited and motivated to win a national championship,” said Hackbarth.

However, after winning the West Regional championship, the team had little time for celebration, as they immediately began intense conditioning and training for nationals. “We conditioned a lot. So we ran 240’s, 120’s, half the field and what not,” said Hackbarth. “It was hard and required a lot of work, but the team knew it would be worth it because we had a shot at nationals,” added Center Fielder Navares.

After a month of intensive training, Team Leahi set their goal on the national tournament. They faced the team Eclipse Elite White of Illinois the final day of the tournament in Overland Park, Kan. After a scoreless first half, Leahi Forward Jacey Lyn Iwane would score at the 42nd minute to give Leahi a 1-0 lead. But ultimately, the goal scored at midfield by Leahi Midfielder Cheyenne Anuhea Smith during stoppage time would seal the deal and Leahi 00 Premier was announced the national champions with a score of 2-0. “It was really surreal. I mean it’s not everyday you win a national title,” Nishimura said.

At the end of the day, after all the relentless traveling, conditioning and hard work, the girls of Leahi accredit their win to their parents, coaches and most importantly to each other. “We couldn’t have won without each other. Every team has to be able to lean and support each other,” said Nishimura. Navares added “The chemistry and the way the coaches inspired us really motivated all of us (the team) to do our best to win the cup.”

Hackbarth, Navares, Nishimura and Wurlitzer will continue to play for the MHS JV soccer team and plan to run track and field in the spring.