Mililani Star Shines In College Level

Mililani grad Rosie Nakata recently was named Pac West’s goalkeeper of the year. Photo from the Nakata family.

As a senior at Mililani High School in 2010, Rosie Nakata was a key component in the Trojans winning the Oahu Interscholastic Association soccer title as well as making the Division I State Championship game.

She’s continued her stellar level of play in college at California Baptist University, where she is expected to be one of the top players in the Pacific West Conference this season. Nakata is coming off her best season to date, having been named the Pac West’s goalkeeper of the year as a junior. She compiled a 17-1 record and posted seven shutouts for the Lancers, currently the two-time defending conference champions.

Nakata recently took some time to visit with MidWeek‘s Central Oahu Islander:

What is your earliest sports memory?

When I was 5 years old and I first started playing soccer, I was playing for my dad (Gary). Being that my dad was my coach, I was more into it and I wanted to do better.

Who has had the biggest impact on you in your life?

My mom and dad, and my family. They’ve always been there to support me. Cost never mattered to my mom. She sent me to college camps for training to make me better. She did what she needed to do to make it happen.

What’s been the biggest adjustment in moving from prep soccer to the college level?

The amount of time that you put in has definitely changed from high school to college. It’s usually a two-hour thing (per day) in high school. In college, it is about soccer all the time. You’re with your team half of the day. You have to take things more seriously.

What area of your game are you focusing on the most this summer?

Right now, I’m working on my strength. I have an injury, so I’m working on getting stronger so that I won’t need to have surgery. I’m also focusing on my conditioning.

What is your favorite road destination in the Pac West Conference?

Hawaii, definitely. I like coming back home.

When you surf the Internet, what website do you go to the most?

Netflix, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

What motion picture could you watch over and over again?

I would say Pitch Perfect. Who are three of your favorite musical artists?

Mariah Carey, Macklemore and Usher.

When you have free time, how do you like to spend it?

I like to hang out with my friends, and I like to go to the beach with my brothers (Joshua, Gary Jr.. and Chaz) and my family. We like to barbecue.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Probably in the military somewhere.

If you were planning a trip, what would be your “dream” destination?

I would like to go back to Australia. It is so beautiful.

You are stuck on the island of Kahoolawe and can have only one food. What would it be?

Ice cream.

Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet?

Ellen Degeneres.