Former Pearl City Standout Continues To Shine At Chaminade
It didn’t take Kristy Iwahashi-Marquez long to make an impact on Chaminade women’s soccer program. The former Pearl City High standout burst onto the scene at the Kaimuki college like a meteor in 2010 when she cracked the starting lineup as a freshman.
She has been a steady presence for the Silverswords ever since and brings a string of 58 straight games as a starter for Chaminade into next Monday’s home date with Dominican University of California.
Not surprisingly, Iwahashi-Marquez is one of three team captains, along with Shayla Hosaka and Kristen Fujinaga.
First-year head coach Michelle Richardson was quick to notice Iwahashi’s qualities after taking over this past off-season.
“She’s an exceptional young lady as evidenced by the fact that she will be attending medical school next year,” said Richardson, who was a captain herself when competing for Saint Mary’s College during her own playing days. “She’s an extremely hard worker and a leader. She’s one who makes sure she takes control of a situation.”
Iwahashi-Marquez recently took some time away from the practice field and her studies to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest sports memory? When I was 4-anda-half years old and playing AYSO, and I scored my first goal. I was super excited, and my family was there, too. They were cheering for me, and that meant a lot.
Who has made the biggest impact on your life? My mom (Gail). She’s supported me my whole life, and she believed in me when others didn’t. When I had my mind set on something, she was always all for it.
What was the biggest adjustment in moving from prep soccer to the college level? The pace of the game and building my knowledge of the game. When you’re a freshman, you just have to get in there.
What is your favorite road destination in the PacWest? The Bay Area has been the best so far.
When you surf the Internet, what website do you go to the most? For med school, I plan to go to Samuel Merritt University (in Oakland, Calif.), so I’ve been going to their website a lot lately.
What film could you watch over and over? She’s The Man.
Who is your favorite musical artist? Beyonce. She’s an inspirational person and she makes good music.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I’m a homebody, so I’m usually at home spending time with my family and my husband (David). I was recently married.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Starting my own (medical) practice.
If you were planning a trip, what would be your ‘dream’ destination? Japan.
You are stuck on Kahoolawe and can have only one food. What would it be? Gyoza.
Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? Beyonce.
