Traveling To Practice Just A Fact Of Life
Haley Abregano. Photo from Abregano ohana.
For Rush Soccer standout Haley Abregano, Laie is always home. But when it comes to the sport she loves, home is Waipio Soccer Complex.
Typically, Abregano and mom Laurie spend nearly three hours in the car, five or six days a week, to make practices there with her Rush 2001 soccer team-mates. Five years into their routine, there appears to be no turning back.
“We talk a lot on the ride, and that’s nice, or sometimes we listen to music,” said Laurie, who also transports her 10-year-old daughter Jordan to Waipio a few times a week. “It’s a time when we can catch up. Sometimes I have their attention, and sometimes I don’t, depending on their mood.”
The long days have been well worth it for the family, Mom said. Abregano, who’s currently an eighth-grader at Kahuku High and Intermediate, has developed into one of the top goalkeepers of her age group. In addition to playing for her regular Rush team (2001), she made the Rush Select National Team, which competed in February at the Presidents’ Day Tournament and Desert Classic in Phoenix. Abregano was one of four girls from Hawaii to make the team.
This weekend, she will be back in action with Hawaii Rush 2001 to play in the Hawaii State Cup at Waipio Soccer Peninsula.
Abregano recently took some time away from the practice field to visit with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? When I was 5 and playing AYSO. It was fun hanging out with everyone, and I picked it up pretty quick. It (primary interest) always has been soccer. I fell in love with the game.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My parents – they’ve always been there to support me. And the U.S. National Team and Hope Solo. She’s inspiring and an amazing goalkeeper.
What area of your game have you been focusing on lately? My mental game at the moment, and staying focused in games. I’ve always been pretty focused, but I’ve been stressed lately with school work and I’ve had bronchitis. I’m getting over it now.
What do you like best about playing soccer? I just love it. I love being around my teammates and socializing. It’s super fun.
Who is your hardest working teammate – the girl who gives 110 percent at all times? Everyone really gives 110 percent. They are a great team. They all give their all.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Instagram. I spend hours on it every week.
What is your least favorite household chore? Doing the dishes. I hate doing the dishes.
What movie could you watch over and over? Divergent. I love that movie.
What do you like to watch on TV? Probably ABC Family. I like to watch shows like Pretty Little Liars, Vampire Diaries and Teen Wolf.
What are your favorites? I have an Xbox 360. I love to play Call of Duty, FIFA (soccer game) and Just Dance.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? A cheeseburger.
Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (Pro soccer player) Cristiano Ronaldo.
