Kapolei Girls Soccer Standout Predicts United Team Effort
If the Kapolei girls soccer team comes undone this winter, it won’t come from within. As far as team chemistry goes, the team is on the same heartbeat, in senior midfielder Jenna Tomei’s view.
“This year, everyone seems to be getting along,” said Tomei. “Last year, we had a lot of drama. We’re going to connect more on the field this year. We also have two new assistant coaches (to head coach Brian Beck) – Ashlee Dela Cruz and Ulu Felisi, along with veteran assistant Dawn Homont) – and I think they’ll help a lot.”
Kapolei went 6-2-2 last season in the OIA Red West, and hopes are high again this time around. Tomei has been a mainstay for Kapolei since joining the program. “I’m excited for this team, and it is my senior year,” she said.
Tomei 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 got on my first HISA team (Westside Girls), I was 9 years old. I remember a lot of training and hard work, and our coach (Danny Gonzales) pushed us a lot. We grew up strong-minded from that. He was a strict coach. I’m thankful for that now. He pushed us to our limits, and it made me a better player.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My parents (John and Jessie). I started playing soccer because of my mom. When I was in elementary, she had breast cancer. Before that, she would always be working. She became a stay-at-home mom after that and could take me to soccer every day. They support me in everything that I do.
What area of your game did you focus on during the off-season? My defense. I’m not good on offense. I have a strong shot, but I need to get it down (on net).
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through soccer? Practice makes perfect. It’s a team sport, and the more you get to know your teammates, the better you play in a game. It’s hard to play with people you haven’t played with before.
Who is Kapolei’s best practice player – the girl who puts out the best effort? Our whole team does – there’s no specific individual. I think we’re all equal.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Edline – that’s to check my grades – and Instagram. I go to those two every day.
What is your least favorite household chore? I don’t really have chores, but I have things every day that I have to do, like keeping my room clean and cleaning the bathroom … that’s about it. My parents just tell me what to do, and I do it.
What movie could you watch over and over? She’s the Man. It’s a soccer movie with Amanda Bynes. I love that movie.
What kind of music do you listen to? I like any kind of music, really. I like Ariana Grande, and I like country music a lot.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I hang out with friends and socialize a lot. We go to see movies or we go to the beach or I do my homework. Sometimes, my soccer friends and I will go play soccer at the beach.
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