Sisters’ Soccer Successes Help Motivate Rush Standout
Bree Fuller helped lead her team into the quarterfinals of the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals at Waipio Soccer Park last week. Photo courtesy of the Fuller family.
Bree Fuller didn’t have to look far to find positive role models, especially when it comes to soccer.
A seventh-grader-to-be from Manana Elementary in Pearl City, Fuller’s older sisters, Meghan (Hawaii Pacific University), Amber (University of Hawaii) and Zoe (Pearl City High), helped to provide her with plenty of motivation through their own play.
“They keep me working hard to become a better soccer player,” Bree said of her older sisters. “They made me want to play more often.”
“I think they had a huge impact on her,” added her mother, Julie. “They’re good models for her to follow. Just by watching the game, there are some things that she does that other girls in her age group might not be able to do yet, and she also understands that school is important as well as soccer.”
With her school on break, soccer is an all-consuming activity for Bree. Last week, she helped lead her Rush 01G Nike (12-and-under) team into the quarterfinals of the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals at Waipio Soccer Park. Rush 01G Nike, which went 1-0-2 in pool play, had hoped to advance to the semifinals last Saturday. (The championship game was to follow on Sunday.)
On the eve of last Friday’s quarterfinal match with Surf Hawaii 01G, Fuller took some time away from the practice field to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? I was at a soccer park when I was about 7, and there was a team of girls there two years older than me. They didn’t have enough players, so I had to join them. It was hard in the beginning, but it (soccer) came to me after that.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (Stan Fuller). I like the way he coaches. He has a different way of helping me from other people.
What area of your game have you been focusing on this summer? All of my skills and on helping my teammates when they’re down. I try to encourage them.
What do you like best about playing soccer? Playing in front of my teammates and family members.
Who is your hardest working teammate – the girl who gives 110 percent at all times? My friend Alysha Somera. She’s a great leader. If it’s not her day, she won’t quit. When I’m not doing well, she encourages me.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? YouTube. Sometimes before games, I like to go and look at the pros. It motivates me to try to be like them.
What is your least favorite household chore? Washing dishes. It’s real messy.
What movie could you watch over and over? Pitch Perfect.
When you turn on the TV, what channel do you go to first? The Disney Channel.
Do you play video games? What systems do you have, and what are your favorites? I have an XBox360. My favorites are car games, like racing, and I also like to play Border Lands.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Sushi.
