Hawaii Kai Soccer Ace Halvorsen Helps Lift Rush 2001
For Kaile Halvorsen and her Rush 2001 teammates, their performance at the Far West Youth Soccer Regionals in Albuquerque, N.M., was the perfect summer start. A month from now, they’ll look for the perfect ending at the Surf Cup in San Diego.
“I think we’ll do well there — I have great hopes for Surf Cup,” said Halvorsen, who will be a Punahou freshman. “We were a game away (from going to nationals).”
Halvorsen delivered big at the regionals, tallying a team-high three goals to help her team win its pool. It came up just short in the semifinals, falling in a shootout to Heat FC (Nevada), to end its run. The regional winner was to advance to the national tournament in Maryland.
Halvorsen attributed Rush 2001’s success in recent years to the family atmosphere that binds the group together. “There are no dramas — we’re all friends on and off the field,” she said. “We’ve been playing together for a while, and we all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
A Hawaii Kai resident, Halvorsen is the lone player on the roster from the East side. She commutes to Waipio Soccer Complex three days a week during the season. She recently made time to visit with MidWeek‘s East Oahu Islander.
When did you know soccer was THE sport for you? Soccer has always been a big part of my life. My dad and brother played, all of my family has played. I would always go to my brother’s practices when I was 4 or 5, and that’s when it all started. I was meant to play soccer. I knew when I started that I would always want to play soccer.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My parents (Kit and Tricia)
have been there for me through everything, and they always have something nice to say.
What area of your game have you been focused on lately? Getting better knowledge of the game, and becoming a better player.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Instagram. I’m constantly on the phone, and Instagram is real popular with me.
What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning up after my pets.
What movie could you watch over and over? The Fault In Our Stars.
What do you like to watch on TV? Pretty Little Liars. I also watch Netflix.
How do you like to spend your free time? Hanging out with friends and going to the beach and surfing.
You’re stuck on Kaho’olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? That’s a tough one because I love food. I guess pizza.
What celebrity would you most like to meet? Cristiano Ronaldo. I really look up to him and would like to be like him one day, hopefully playing professionally.
