Mustang Attacker Hopeful About Home-field Soccer Games
Keeley York has been part of a lot of big wins in her Kalaheo soccer career, but she hopes the biggest are yet to come, now that the Mustangs have been promoted to Division I.
“I can’t believe I’m almost done,” said York, a senior attacker. She’s been a starter for the Mustangs and coach Alan Heu since her freshman year. Last year she was a key player during Kalaheo’s run to the OIA White championship, earning Second Team All-Conference hon-ors. The team also made a second straight appearance in the DII state tournament and earned a promotion to DI for this season.
Kalaheo’s schedule out of the gate was among the toughest in the OIA East, with Kaiser (a 5-0 loss) and Moanalua (a 3-0 loss) as its first two opponents.
“I thought the first games would definitely be the hardest, but we’ve hung in there,” said York.
She and the team hope to take care of business on a current four-game home stand that began against Kailua last Saturday. This Saturday, the Mustangs host Kalani at 2 p.m. in a key league contest. Home dates with Farrington Jan. 7 and McKinley Jan. 10 will follow.
Kalaheo closes out its East season with three straight road games against Kahuku Jan. 14, Kaimuki Jan. 17 and Castle Jan. 21.
York recently took some time to visit with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? I was 4 when I began (playing soccer). My dad (Tim) had played semipro, so soccer kind of runs in the family. I was so young. I did well in the beginning, but as I grew tall, it was hard. From 11 to 14 was a pretty difficult time (coordination-wise).
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad. He’s always pushed me to be a better player. He’s been my club coach (with Lanikai) for almost the whole time I’ve played. He’s a hard worker, and that was passed down to me.
What area of your game did you focus on during the off-season? It wasn’t so much about improving skills, but having a better sense of how the game is played.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through athletics? It’s going to sound cliché, but to never give up.
Who is Kalaheo’s best “practice player” — the girl who puts out the best
effort every day? My sister, Mia. She’s a sophomore sweeper. She’s a hard worker and a real good overall player.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Probably Google. I’m always Googling things. I like to know the answer to things.
What is your least favorite household chore? Doing the dishes.
What movie could you watch over and over? Sixteen Candles.
Who are three of your favorite musical artists?
Taylor Swift, Adam Levine and Cake.
When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I like to go to the beach and hike with my friends.
You’re stuck on Kaho‘olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Strawberries.
If you had your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (Professional soccer player) Cristiano Ronaldo.
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