Building a Strong Sporting Nation: Introducing 16 Nā Wāhine National Team
WAILUKU, MAUI — It is with great honor and esteem that Hawaiian Football announces (the) 16 Nā Wāhine (U-16 Women) National Team, comprised of an 18-woman roster of elite Hawaiian players from the four primary islands. (The) 16 Nā Wāhine National Team represents the future of Hawaiian Football, signifying the prominence of the women’s game in the Hawaiian Islands. This dynamic team of female athletes embodies the resilience and competitive spirit – that is uniquely Hawaiian – with a passion for making their mark on the Hawaiian national level.
“In our pursuit of recognition and representation on the global football stage, the introduction of our 16s on the U.S. soccer platform is a strategic step in showcasing the immense talent of our young female athletes. There is no other program in the world where college soccer coaches can scout and recruit elite Native Hawaiian talent, consolidated into one team.
Besides representing their national culture and history, our 16 Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i are at the critical stage of envisioning the future they see for themselves, in both higher education and in sport. We are honored to support our athletes’ development during this crucial period, mutually contributing to the redevelopment of Hawaiian identity through national education and global sport.”
FORWARDS (5): Mikaila ‘Āina (Hawai‘i), Shelby Aoki (O‘ahu), Kaitlyn Ferreira (O‘ahu), Kūlia Montgomery (O‘ahu), Ionare Ve’e (O‘ahu).
MIDFIELDERS (6): Chloe Ayonon (Kaua‘i), Cami Gouveia (O‘ahu), Ayva Malepeai (O‘ahu), Ava McGuire (O‘ahu), Rhacelyn Respicio (Hawai‘i), Kylie Tang (O‘ahu).
DEFENDERS (7): Kayla Baptist (Maui), Alyssa Hudman (Hawai‘i), Emi Hugo (O‘ahu), Kaya Leslie (O‘ahu), Kaila Meyer (O‘ahu), Madi Meyers (O‘ahu).
GOALKEEPER (1): Kailla Miller (O‘ahu).
The 16 Nā Wāhine ‘Ālapa (women athletes) will travel to Davis, California, this May to compete against American youth soccer clubs and academy teams.
“This is our second cycle of National Teams. Our wāhine talent pool is deep in the islands. I’m excited about this team, also about discovering eligible players from the diaspora.
I am grateful for our NorCal ‘Ohana – Benjamin Zeimer, NorCal’s visionary and founder; Kelcey Chaidez, Puna native and Showcase Director; and Ron Benjamin, Tournament Director and longtime friend of Maui. The Hawaiian Football–NorCal partnership is mutually beneficial to all parties involved, and we look forward to growing our impact on Hawaiians via the Northern and Southern California regions.
Ho‘omaika‘i to our players and their ‘ohana for their 16 Nā Wāhine Team selection. I can’t wait to watch you play!”
KU‘I KA LONO
HAWAIIAN FOOTBALL NEWS
