Fresh Start For Campbell Girls Soccer
Should the Campbell girls soccer team make the state tournament field in February, it could look back on team chemistry as a factor, according to junior midfielder Aliani Lorenzo.
“It’s all about teamwork and playing together,” she said. “I love how our team works together. What drives me is helping my team-mates out.”
Campbell enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2013-14, going 9-3 overall, including a 9-1 mark in the OIA West, which earned it the top seed in the league’s postseason. Back-to-back losses to Pearl City and Aiea in the OIA tournament ended the Sabers’ season, however, as well as their hopes of moving on to states.
“It’s like a fresh start for us,” said Lorenzo, noting that former assistant coach Ryan Leong has taken over as head coach. “We’re more focused this year than last. We’re very driven, and we have a different vision for this team.”
Lorenzo, who plays for Rush Soccer Club during the high school off-season, was named a First Team All-Star for Campbell in a vote of OIA coaches at season’s end. She recently took some time away from the practice field and her studies to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest soccer-related memory? When I was 7, I was playing in AYSO — that was when I really got into soccer. I was very competitive; I really tried. I tried to be the best that I could be.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? When I was playing for Blitz, Mia Hamm came down for the camp. She came up to me one day and put her hand on my shoulder and told me, ‘Kiddo, you’re going to go far.’ She inspired me. I saw her again last year at ODP (Olympic Development Program), and she was very excited for me and how I’d improved as a player.
What area of your game did you focus on during the off-season? I made sure I was conditioned, and I worked on my footwork, repetitions, and I practiced my striking with the ball.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through soccer? It’s about teamwork. It is never about one individual, but the whole team — one team, one family.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? I always go to Captain U for (researching) college. I am always wondering how I can take the next step and improve my (soccer) profile. I also go to YouTube a lot and try out some of the (soccer) moves I see.
What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom.
What is your favorite movie? Pitch Perfect.
Can you tell us three of your favorite songs? Oceans by Hillsong, Closer by Bethel and Forever by Hillsong. They are all Christian songs.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I love going to the beach and Boogie boarding. I like to go to White Plains, Sandy’s and Waimea Bay.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Musubi.
If you had your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (Professional soccer players) Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho (Ronaldo de Assis Moreira). jackster.1969@ yahoo.com
