Pearl City Soccer Standout Heads To Regionals For ’99 Rush
Daniel Woo
As a member of the three-time HYSA State Cup Champion Rush ’99 boys team, Daniel Woo has gotten used to traveling to national tournaments in the summer.
He and his teammates also are used to playing underdog, since they face teams from more heavily populated states.
“Since we’re from Hawaii, the other teams think we live in grass huts or something,” said Woo, who lives in Waipahu and plays for Pearl City High during the prep season. “We like to prove them wrong and show that we have some skills here.”
Woo is an offensive leader of Rush ’99 from his forward position. Next month, he flies to Albuquerque with the team to represent Hawaii at the 2014 U.S. Youth Far West Regionals. The ’99 Rush team also plays in July at the Surf Cup national tournament in San Diego.
“I love traveling with my team,” he said. “You get closer to each other and have a lot of fun.”
Woo recently stepped off the field to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? I was 5 when I started playing. I remember watching my two older sisters and wanting to play with them. It seemed like fun. I wasn’t great, but one of my Rush coaches (Jeremiah Johnson), who also was my AYSO coach, saw potential in me and thought I should play HYSA (club soccer). I think that’s when I started to develop my skills.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My mom (Ruthy). After every game that I did bad, she would be the one scolding me and telling me I should have played better and tried harder.
What area of your game have you been focusing on lately? Finishing (scoring plays) and my shooting. I need to learn how to finish so I can end a game as soon as possible.
Who is your hardest working teammate at Rush’s practice sessions – the player who gives 110 percent at all times? Garrison Lee (of Kapolei High). He’s not one of our leaders, but whenever I see him, he’s always trying his best and working on what he needs to.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Instagram and Twitter.
What is your least favorite household chore? Bringing in the groceries.
What movie could youwatch over and over? The Blind Side.
When you head out shopping, what store is your first stop? Ross.
Who are three of your favorite musical artists? The Far East Movement, Imagine Dragons and One Republic.
Do you play video games? What systems do you have and what are your favorites? I have an Xbox 360. My favorites are FIFA (soccer), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Borderlands.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Teriyaki beef from my dad’s restaurant (Kyoto).
What celebrity would you most like to meet, given the chance? (Professional soccer player) Cristiano Ronaldo.
Email Jack Danilewicz at jackster.1969@yahoo.com
