16 Nā Wāhine National Team Shines in California Showcase Despite Challenges
WAILUKU, MAUI — Hawaiian Football is thrilled to announce the exemplary performance of the 16 Nā Wāhine (U-16 Women) National Team at the NorCal Premier Spring College Showcase held in Davis, California this past May. Despite having limited time together as a unit and facing formidable opponents, our Nā Wāhine demonstrated resilience, skill, and the true spirit of Hawaiian football.
The 16 Wāhine Team, featuring several younger players born in 2009, faced an imposing first challenge against San Juan SC ECNL G08. Their opponents' size and speed initially overwhelmed our players. As the game progressed, Nā Wāhine adapted and displayed exceptional football, showcasing pio‘ole (fearlessness) and their koa (warrior) spirit, critically during one of the most highly attended matches by college coaches, according to tournament organizers. In the following matches, Nā Wāhine competed against highly ranked teams, Stanislaus United SC NPL 08G and Placer United 08G ECNL.
Each day began with a mana‘o (Hawaiian perspectives), highlighted by mo‘olelo (a story) about the native Hawaiian flora, ‘a‘ali‘i. Known for its ability to withstand diverse conditions, ‘a‘ali‘i symbolized the resilience and adaptability our athletes embodied throughout the weekend.
“Our players delivered stellar performances, reflecting their remarkable growth and determination throughout the showcase. Their performance on the field, ability to overcome challenges, and proud representation of their lāhui (nation) were noteworthy achievements. Exciting things are to come from this group of Nā Wāhine.”
“We checked all the boxes over the weekend; showcased Hawaiian Football players; educated on Hawaiian national history, culture, and language; continued to build attention, awareness, and support; and shared Hawaiian values with the international community. The greatest barrier for our national team program right now is the lack of funding required to adequately prepare each group for competition. Kōkua from Native Hawaiian granting organizations and large corporations operating in Hawaiʻi could be game changing.
IMUA E NĀ ʻĀLAPA.”
Nā ʻĀlapa Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian National Team) — 16 Nā Wāhine
16 NĀ WĀHINE ROSTER
FORWARDS (5): Mikaila ‘Āina (Hawai‘i Rush SC - Hawai‘i), Shelby Aoki (Hawai‘i Rush SC), Kaitlyn Ferreira (FC Hawai‘i), Kūlia Montgomery (Lē‘ahi SC), Ionare Ve’e (Hawai‘i Surf SC).
MIDFIELDERS (6): Chloe Ayonon (Hawai‘i Rush SC - Kaua‘i), Cami Gouveia (Lē‘ahi SC), Ayva Malepeai (Lē‘ahi SC), Ava McGuire (Hawai‘i Rush SC), Rhacelyn Respicio (Hawai‘i Rush SC - Hawai‘i), Kylie Tang (FC Hawai‘i).
DEFENDERS (7): Kayla Baptist (Lē‘ahi SC), Alyssa Hudman (Hawai‘i Rush SC - Hawai‘i), Emi Hugo (FC Hawai‘i), Kaya Leslie (Hawai‘i Surf SC), Kaila Meyer (Hawai‘i Rush SC), Madi Meyers (Hawai‘i Rush SC - Hawai‘i).
GOALKEEPER (1): Kailla Miller (Hawai‘i SA).
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Ian Andrew Mork
HEAD COACH: Millie Dydasco
ASSISTANT COACHES: Noelani Bio, Tiana Miyashiro, Kāhealani Hiraishi
MATCH RESULTS x HIGHLIGHTS
Match 1 – Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i 16 Nā Wāhine vs. San Juan SC ECNL G08
Result: 0–0
Player of the Match: Kailla Miller
Match 2 – Stanislaus United SC NPL 08G vs. Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i 16 Nā Wāhine
Result: 1–1 (Goal by Kaila Meyer)
Player of the Match: Avalee McGuire
Match 3 – Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i 16 Nā Wāhine vs. Placer United SC 08G ECNL
Result: 0-1, Loss
Player of the Match: Alyssa Hudman
Player of the Series: Emi Hugo, Kaya Leslie
KU‘I KA LONO
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