Girls Team Off To U.S. Youth Soccer Nationals Next Week

The Leahi '95 Premier U-18 soccer team (from left) Kama Pascua, Storm Kenui, Ashley Park Hunt, Vanessa Cabilan, Summer Burnett, Riki Iwanaga, Anu Kahele-Manners, Rebecca Harper, Kaimi Morreira, Julie Khil, Izzy Delgado, Jensen Toner, Dempsey Banks, Machaela Rapozo, Rachel Akau, Keala Makekau, coaches Scott Keopuhiwa and Laurie Baker, and (not pictured) Taylor Kipilii, Abcde Zoller, Madison Reed and TJ Reyno. Photo from Leahi '95.

Becoming the first-ever girls team to advance to the U.S. Youth Soccer nationals, the Leahi ’95 Premier U-18 soccer team was thrilled with its victory June 23 on the Waipio Peninsula field. But to represent the state and Region IV next week in Overland Park, Kan., is a challenge on many fronts.

“As you might imagine,” wrote parent Lupe Makekau in an appeal for donations, “getting a team to Kansas in less than a month is quite costly and something we had not anticipated.” The price tag hovers around $40,000 for the trip, which is set for July 22-28.

Supporters may write checks payable to Leahi Soccer Club and mail them to coach Scott Keopuhiwa, 94-718 Kaaoki Place, Waipahu, HI 96797. For more details, call Keopuhiwa at 927-7927.

Helping to win the Far West regional title included West Oahu players Summer Burnett, Vanessa Cabilan, Izzy Delgado, Storm Kenui, Taylor Kipilii, Keala Makekau, Kaimi Morreira, Kama Pascua and Abcde Zoller.