OIA Puts Yoshida On All-conference Team

Alyssa Yoshida displayed her knack for finishing scoring plays time after time last season for the Kapolei girls soccer team.

Her nine tallies were a big lift for a team that went 13-4 overall en route to fourth-place finish at the Division I state soccer tournament.

The sophomore-to-be said team cohesiveness is why she found the back of the net so often. Yoshida was one of just two freshmen kept on the roster by longtime coach Brian Beck.

“The girls were very welcoming to me when I got there (to high school),” said Yoshida, who competes for Rush Soccer Club when the high school season is finished. “We all had to work together to score. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Yoshida was named a Second Team All-Conference player by OIA coaches in a vote at season’s end.

“I didn’t think I would do that well,” she said of her freshman season. “It was a good experience. I’m very excited to get back to the (2014-15) school season.”

Yoshida recently took some time away from the practice field to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.

What is your earliest soccer-related memory? When I was 6 and playing for AYSO. I remember going to Kapolei Regional Park and playing with my teammates. That’s when it all started. That’s as far back as I can remember.

Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (Ronald). He’s always been pushing me since I was young, and he always wanted me to do my best.

What area of your game are you focusing on this summer? I’m just focusing on my technical skills — my dribbling and passing and working with my foot skills … getting my touches.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? Instagram.

What is your least favorite household chore? I don’t like any of them. I will have to say vacuuming. I hate vacuuming.

What movie could you watch over and over? Alice in Wonderland.

Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Justin Bieber, Zac Efron and Shakira.

Do you play video games? When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I play Call of Duty on Xbox. I also like going to the beach with my friends, surfing, and I like sketching.

Let’s say you’re stuck on the island of Kaho’olawe and can

have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Combo pizza.

Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? Zac Efron.

Email Jack Danilewicz at jackster.1969@yahoo.com